Albert "Bert" A. Buffington

Albert “Bert” A. Buffington, 89, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at TLC Assisted Living. Bert was born on December 15, 1936, in Buffalo, New York. He graduated from St. Thomas High School of Rockford, Illinois. Shortly after, he enlisted with the United States Air Force. By chance, Bert was home on leave and met the love of his life at The Midway Theater, Sandra Atchison. Soon after, they married on August 9, 1958.

Bert worked in Electronics Sales with various companies, including Barber Coleman, where he later retired from. Favorite hobbies throughout his lifetime included bowling and golfing and especially the annual family golf outing known as "The Bu-Bu-Do Classic", which ran for 25 years. He also co-owned the Victorian Golf Course for many years.

He was truly a kid at heart, always making sure the children around him were taken care of and entertained! This led to memorable winters of ice skating in the backyard, as well as making tents during the annual showing of The Wizard of Oz. Bert could also carry a tune well and even wrote songs. Over the past few years, he found himself singing for his friends at TLC after Happy Hour. Bert kept Sandra’s legacy alive at the monthly “Potluck Group” lunches, which started more than 60 years ago with long-time best friends of hers. He also enjoyed sharing a meal or drink with friends at Backyard Bar and Grill, as well as the Mayflower some years ago.

Bert is survived by his daughters, Carrie (Greg) Bannister, Suzan (Jim) Milburn, and Laura (Paul) Seitz; grandchildren, Melissa (Peter) Dunn, Mark (Taylor) Northrup, Jr., Nichole (Brian) Patterson, Dylann Waters and Nicolas (Juliana) Seitz; ten great grandchildren, Ashley Dunn, Abigail Dunn, Ayden Northrup, Melanie Schewe, Parker Northrup, Leila Jones, Jameson Northrup, Greyson Seitz, Jett Patterson, Arlo Seitz; three grandpaws, Chloe, Bella, and Brynlie; brothers-in-law, James (Ginger) Atchison and John (Debra) Atchison and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; parents, Earl and C. Alberta Buffington; siblings, Janet Adams, Earl “Lefty” Buffington, and Ruth Buffington; father-in-law, Richard Atchison; mother-in-law, Jane Atchison and brothers-in-law, Richard Atchison and Bob “RW” Adams; sister-in-law, Jill Atchison; grandpaws, Mackie, Amber, Ebony, Captain Jack, Bailey and Dixie.