Ronald Buxenbaum

Ronald Buxenbaum, 88, of Aurora, New York, passed away on March 21st surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born on December 15th, 1935 in Marathon, NY, and graduated from Sherwood Central School in 1953 and Cornell University in 1957 with a degree in Animal Husbandry.

Ron always wanted to be a dairy farmer, and in 1960 he purchased his own farm, Match Mate Farm, in Aurora, New York, where the family still lives today. Ron and his wife raised their three children on the farm and successfully operated it for over 30 years until retiring in the early 1990s.

Along with farming, Ron was an avid lover of aviation. In his late 30s, he earned his private pilot’s license and became an active member of the New York Flying Farmers and established a small airport, called Match Mate Airport, right on the farm. In his retirement, he became a certified flight instructor and taught hundreds of local people to fly, including his son Peter and grandsons Alex and Sam. Ron found joy in teaching others to fly, but also flying himself and his family around the country in his Beechcraft Bonanza.

Ron is survived by his wife, Trudy, of 67 years, his brother David (Ellen) of White Plains, sisters Sally (Alan) Draht of Chicago and Elizabeth (Jim) Couvreur of Arizona, his three children Julie (Jim) Orman, Amy Torea, Peter (Laura) Buxenbaum, and his six grandchildren; Alex, Adrianne, Justin, Sam, Harris and Platt. Ron was predeceased by his 18 month old daughter Anne in 1964.. 

 Everyone who knew Ron knew him for his high moral standards, strong work ethic, and passion for family, farming, and flying. His presence as a patriarch, community volunteer, and friend will be dearly missed, but his memory and legacy will be held deeply by all who knew him. 

A memorial will be held to celebrate the life of Ron on Sunday, April 21st from 1pm-4pm at Match Mate Farm.

Donations in the memory of Ron can be made to the Hazard Library or San Pedro Sister Community Project.