Philip R. Buffington

Philip R. Buffington, 69, of Westfield, passed away January 6, 2022.  He was born April 9, 1952 in Binghamton, NY to the late John R. and Kathleen M. Buffington.  As a youth, Phil’s family moved from New York to Indiana where he attended Brebeuf Preparatory High School and went to Indiana University where he majored and graduated with a Journalism degree in 1974 as well as receiving a minor in photojournalism.  Phil was an avid car buff and could tell you anything about the Indianapolis 500 as well as any make and model of cars.  His passion started when his father took him to his first Indianapolis 500 race in 1963 and he became fascinated with Dan Gurney who took 7^th that year. After graduation from IU, Phil was selected to the JC Penney executive training program and moved to Macon, GA for two years.  He soon discovered that his passion was with journalism and returned to Indiana where he began working at the Indianapolis Star and News.  His career there lasted over 30  years in the advertising and marketing department.  During this time, he met and married Judy who survives.  They were married for 37 years.  After his retirement from The Indianapolis Star, Phil worked for several years with Brebeuf Preparatory School and Carmel Clay Schools as a substitute and Teacher Assistant helping with Special Needs Children.  Phil also was an avid sportsman training and participating in several triathlons.  He would come home from work and get ready to run or bike stating he needed an attitude adjustment.  It was his way of de-stressing. Aside from his wife Judy and his grandchildren, his next greatest loves were his two Great Pyrenees dogs, Bella and Gladys.  They were gentle giants and provided companionship to Phil as he trained.  Phil was an aficionado and loved music almost as much as he loved cars.  Additionally, he could always be found with a camera in his hand.  He loved taking pictures of his grandchildren at their sporting events, family functions, his friends or simply going out to Eagle Creek to take pictures of flowers, wildlife and the landscape.  He was known for taking photos for friends and family. Phil is survived by his wife, Judy, his two stepchildren, Barbara Campbell (Tim) and Philip Budd; grandchildren, Doug Campbell (Texas), Victoria Campbell (California) and Madeleine Budd (North Carolina); nephew, Damien Hart; nieces, Heather Hart and Amanda Buffington; great niece, Kaylea Hart.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen Hart and Mark Buffington. A visitation service will be held Thursday, January 20 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm with a memorial service immediately following at 2:00 pm at Flanner Buchanan-Carmel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Parkinson Foundation or to the Indy Great Pyrenees Rescue, Inc. (igpr.org) or mail to IGPR 1102 W. 78^th St. Indianapolis, IN 46260. To view livestream of Phil's memorial service please click here