David L. Buffington

— William Feather

David Buffington of Danbury, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025.

David was born December 17,1936 to Bradford and Violet Buffington in Titonka, Iowa. He attended a rural school and graduated from Titonka High school in 1954. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA in 1958

He married the love of his life on June 27,1959. They enjoyed 53 wonderful years of marriage. Ardith shared and encouraged his spirit for adventure and was his favorite copilot on his life's journey.

In December of 1960, their first child Brad joined their adventure. David and Ardith were thrilled with the experience of being new parents. They lived in several towns in Iowa, relishing in spending time with family and making treasured friends along the way.

In 1963, the family moved to Austin, TX. where David received an advanced degree in Biology from the University of Texas in 1964. This is where they met their life-long friends, Sandy and Shirley Elliot, who would play a major role in the next phase of their life's journey, to their forever home in Connecticut.

David and Ardith moved in 1966 to the special community of Lake Waubeeka, in Danbury, Connecticut. For many years David was the longest continuous resident.

1966 was also the year David began a long and illustrious career as a Biology Teacher at Byram Hills High School in Armonk NY. He lives on in the hearts and minds of many of his students and continued to share friendships with a number of them after his retirement in 1997.

The family was joined by its youngest adventurer, Beth Ann in 1967. The family enjoyed their life in Danbury and traveled the US, in their Starcraft pop trailer. They had many wonderful trips enjoying nature and history, as well as family and friends along the way.

The move to Danbury brought another special joy to David and Ardith, a wealth of friends who grew together and supported each other in life. The "Bridge Group" were a special bunch, who shared everyday life, momentous occasions, and new experiences together. Their annual trips were highlights of their days.

In 1993 David and Ardith officially welcomed a new member to the family when Brad wed Kristen Burrell. David was so grateful to have another daughter in his life. Kristen and David shared a unique and special relationship, relishing in each other's humor and sharing many heartfelt moments. Kristen always made sure David was up to date with family photos, creating cherished annual calendars, which he showed off with pride.

Another addition to the family occurred in 1999 when Beth and Brian Vakiener were married. David enjoyed Brian's quick wit and intelligence. They spent many hours testing each other's knowledge.

The year 2000 brought the family's most treasured member, Grandson Zachary. To whom David became a confidant, teacher, and mentor. They shared many wonderful conversations about subjects of all kinds.

David was an avid fan of all sports. He was a head coach for the golf team and an assistant coach for the Wrestling team during his time at Byram Hills. David rarely missed a home game played by his children or his grandson. He could always be found on the sidelines cheering and even documenting some of the action with a movie or video camera. He especially enjoyed horse racing, he travelled to many racetracks to enjoy the beauty of the animals, the majesty of the sport, and the thrill of the wagering.

David also loved nature and outdoor adventures. He led his family as well as members of the Byram Hills outdoor club on many hikes, canoeing and back packing trips sharing his extensive knowledge of the natural world. He travelled to all 50 states and many other countries in search of beauty and wonder.

David lived a long, rich, and happy life. He set an example for all with his generosity, his dedication to family and friends, as well as a life-long curiosity for all things. He will be missed for his zest for life, spirited debates and enduring humor.

David is survived by his son, Brad Buffington, daughter-in-law Kristen (Burrell)Buffington, grandson, Zachary Buffington of New Fairfield, Connecticut, daughter Beth Buffington of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. His siblings Richard Buffington of Titonka, Iowa, Jane Isebrand and her husband Jim of Fort Meyers, Florida and his sister-in-laws, Kathy Buffington, of Naples, Florida and Marie Schutter, of Titonka, Iowa and his many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Ardith, his parents, his Uncle Neil Slack, who was his hero as well as his friend, son-in-law Brian, brother-in-law Herman Schutter and his wife Harriet, brother-in-law Arnold Schutter, sister-in-law Florence Bunker and most recently his brother and best friend Sidney Buffington.

A memorial service will be held in his honor October 4th, at 11 a.m at St Andrews Lutheran Church, 6 Ivy Hill Road, Ridgefield, CT, 06877. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Public Broadcasting Service(pbs.org)World Central Kitchen (wck.org) or The American Red Cross (redcross.org), some of David's favorite charitable organizations.