Dr. M. Raymond Buyce, Ph.D.

Dr. M. Raymond “Babe” Buyce, Ph.D. age 84, of Erie, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at UPMC Hamot surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born in Speculator, NY on October 19, 1939, a son of the late L. Milton and Ethel McVeigh Buyce.

Ray graduated high school from Peekskill Military Academy in 1956. He received his BS in Geology from Union College. He continued on to receive his MS from Brown University and his PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He worked many jobs throughout his career, but he finally found his calling as a geology professor at Mercyhurst University until his retirement in 2019. He loved sharing hands-on experiences with students through field trips, and, to this day, his students recall their fond memories of those experiences.

Ray enjoyed downhill ski racing well into his late 70’s, golfing, playing the guitar, photography (especially sunrises) and art. He was a lifelong learner, who had a great dry sense of humor, with a quick wit, and was known for his “papa jokes”. He especially loved spending time with his family (and extended “lake family”) at his camp in the Adirondacks. He also took great pride in taking his pups for rides in his Buyce Guide Boats.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald (Patricia) and Jack (Sylvia) Buyce, brother-in-law James McGrath, and nephews Brian, Jimmy, and Gerry Buyce.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Julia “Judy” VanVranken Buyce; two daughters, Carey (Bill) Pelletier and Cindy Montagna; grandchildren, Noah and Allie Pelletier and Christopher, Jared and Sophia Montagna. He is further survived by his sister-in-law Joan McGrath and brother-in-law Jack VanVranken (Joan) as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26^th Street on Thursday, April 4^th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m and are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Friday, April 5^th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church 2801 W. 6th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, in honor of Ray Buyce, to Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Lake Mountain at https://www.theadkx.org/join-support/donate/tribute-memorial-gifts/.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com