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Salem, MA – Salem State University received a $200,000 gift from the estate of Judge Thaddeus “Ted” Buczko, a dedicated and loyal public servant and proud son of Salem who passed away in March 2021 at the age of 95. This generous planned gift from Judge Buczko was designated to the President’s Discretionary Fund, which supports the unmet needs of the university with a focus on helping students persist to graduation, engage in experiential learning and earn their college degree.
A man of character and mentor to many promising up-and-coming professionals in state government, business and civic life—including Salem State University President John Keenan—Buczko was appointed Associate Justice of the Essex County Probate in Family Court in 1980, rose to First Justice in 1986, and retired in 1996. In 2016, the newly restored Probate and Family Court Building on Federal Street in Salem was named in his honor.
Naming the building for Buczko was one of the final acts of legislation President Keenan sponsored during his time as a state legislator representing Salem.
“Judge Ted Buczko, Chief Justice Sam Zoll and Judge David Doyle were titans of the legal community and role models and mentors to many like me interested in public service. So much so, I had been actively pursuing a judgeship prior to my arrival at Salem State,” Keenan said. “While Judge Buczko’s generous estate gift to the university came as a complete surprise, his commitment to giving young people the same opportunities he had throughout his educational journey was very well known. We are deeply moved that Judge Buczko included our university in his estate plans. We will pay forward his legacy by supporting students’ tuition, internships, experiential learning, travel abroad, and other high-impact retention practices seeking to maximize our students’ college experience.”
Prior to working as a judge, Buczko served in the Navy beginning in World War II, joined the Army after receiving his undergraduate and JD degrees, and retired from active duty in 1979 as a Colonel and Chief of Staff of the 94th Army Reserve Command. He received the Legion of Merit for his service. Buczko was a friend to many, including the late Pope John Paul II. Before his passing, Buczko said that he wanted those left behind to remember his service to country and to humanity, his perseverance, sincerity of purpose, and loyalty to his values.
Cheryl Crounse, vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the Salem State University Foundation, Inc., said “Judge Buczko’s philanthropy is a shining example of how planned giving leaves a lasting legacy here at Salem State University. We are humbled that he decided to leave the university in his estate plans in support of future generations of Vikings.”