Obituary of Samuel J. Buss
“Sam”
Age 21, of Shorewood, IL passed from this life on Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Santa Ana, California. He was born October 19, 2000, in Joliet, IL to Amy (nee Ragusa) and Jason Buss.
Sam attended St. Raymond and Troy Grade Schools. He graduated with the class of 2019 from Minooka Community High School. He continued his education at the University of Alabama where he was studying mechanical engineering.
In addition to his parents, Jason and Amy, Sam is also survived by his brother George and sister Libby Buss; maternal grandparents, Bonnie (nee Reed) and John Ragusa; paternal grandparents, Annette (nee Mackey) and Paul Buss; aunt, Kim (John) Nichols; and uncles, Tim (Beth) Buss, Bryan (Jennifer) Buss and Carlo (Mary) Ragusa. He will also be missed by numerous cousins and friends.
Sam was an athletic young man who played baseball at St. Joe’s Park and Whiteford field. He wrestled while attending Troy and was a tri-athlete at MCHS.
Besides his academic achievements and enthusiasm for sports and fitness, Sam valued service to others and held a deep passion for the outdoors.
Beginning April 19, 2021, Sam chose recovery in California. He began a purposeful job in November working as a RAD T (Registered Alcohol and Drug Trainee) for New Life Treatment Center. Despite his young age, it was Sam’s huge heart and truly giving spirit that allowed him to understand and connect with many people who struggled.
Sam recently commented that this important and much-needed role is something he thought he might like to pursue and possibly become his career path. He certainly possessed the humanitarian side of it and we can only imagine how many he would have impacted.
A Memorial Visitation for Sam will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet.
In lieu of flowers memorials in his name can be directed to the Buss family for future distribution to causes important to Sam and his family, such as NAMI and the Keys to Freedom Foundation.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
