Herman J Bueno

Herman J Bueno, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and friend, passed away on August 12, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him. He was 67 years old. Born on July 31, 1958, Herman’s life was one of commitment, perseverance, and an ever-present positive attitude, leaving a lasting mark on all who knew him. He met his wife Paula Navarra in 1982, and they married on May 26, 1984. She was the love of his life, and he was so grateful to have found her.

His lifelong passion for running started young. As a high school and college runner, he excelled in long-distance and steeplechase events, showing a love for challenge and endurance that would carry through his entire life. Records he set during his tenure at Southport High School remained in place for over 40 years, having his best successes as part of the “four horsemen” quad of runners. After high school, Herman went on to run both track and cross country at the University of Indianapolis, qualifying for the nationals in 1978 and 1979, and being named the HCC’s Most Valuable Runner in 1980. Post college, he was a three-time top ten finisher in the Indy 500 Festival Mini Marathon, even managing to run a mini marathon the day before his wedding.

His athleticism and tenacity extended beyond the track, as he became a fixture in the Southport community for three decades. Herman taught 7th-grade science at Southport Middle School for nearly 30 years, inspiring countless students with his enthusiasm for learning and his no-nonsense approach. His true passion, however, was coaching. He served as the cross-country and track coach at Southport Middle School for over 20 years, then moved to coaching at Southport High School track and cross country to end his coaching career. To him, coaching wasn’t just about athletics – it was about family. The young athletes he mentored over the years were like his own, and he cherished each relationship deeply. He was recognized for all his career achievements by the University of Indianapolis as the Greyhound Club “I” Person of the year in 2006, and inducted into both the Southport High School and UIndy Athletics Hall of Fame as well.

In addition to his dedication to teaching and coaching, Herman had a deep love for woodworking. He was a longtime assistant at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking since its opening in 1993, and shared his skills with others, teaching classes on chip carving and shaker oval box making over the years. The items he created were often gifted to friends and family, each piece carrying a piece of his heart. He also shared his passion for Western movies and music from the 1960’s, “the greatest decade of music,” with anyone who would listen.

Herman had an extraordinary gift for connection. He never knew a stranger, and his daughters often marveled at how he could strike up a conversation with anyone. Whether through his teaching, coaching, or woodworking, Herman’s sense of humor and ability to make people feel seen and valued was his true superpower.

In June of 2022, Herman was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer. Though the disease challenged him in ways few could imagine, Herman never lost his will to fight. His top priority was always his family, especially his four granddaughters—Hollis, Palmer, Ava, and Aria. They were the center of his world, and he adored them with all his heart. From phone calls and video chats to having them over for visits, he cherished every moment with them. His love for his three "grandpuppies" was equally abundant, as they, too, received the best belly rubs and cuddles whenever they saw him.

Despite the challenges of his diagnosis, Herman maintained a positive outlook and continued to focus on the joy of spending time with those he loved. When the disease progressed and many tasks became difficult for him, he picked up fishing and went on numerous fishing trips with his sister Paula Marie and her family. He looked forward to those times out on the water, and was proud to share his catches for fish fries.

Herman leaves behind his loving wife of 41 years, Paula, of Greenwood, IN; his daughters Amy (Eric) Dziekonski of Lafayette, IN, and Emily (Taylor) Bueno-Imel of Carmel, IN; siblings Paula (Don) Ensigner of Springhill, TN, Steve Bueno of Indianapolis, IN, and Patricia Rowell of Murrieta, California; and grandchildren Hollis & Palmer Imel and Ava & Aria Dziekonski. He also leaves behind a vast community of friends, former students, and athletes who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Southport High School Alumni Association (https://southportalumni.com/donate) towards a scholarship fund in Herman’s name. A visitation will be held Monday, August 18, at Saints Francis and Clare Catholic Church in Greenwood, IN from 2-5pm where friends and family will come together to honor his life and legacy. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at the church at 5pm. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.

“I have fought the fight for the good, I have run the race, I have kept the faith”

-2 Timothy 4:7