R.M. “Buster” Mesic, 94, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2022, from complications of Park-inson’s disease. He was the youngest of three children born to R.M. and Sarah Watson Mesic of Newport News, and the beloved husband of Patricia, who died in October after 70 years of marriage. He has been longing for her ever since.

Buster grew up in a foursquare on 34th Street, a home teeming with an assortment of relatives. From an early age, he was resourceful and enterprising. He built a boat named the “Ruptured Duck,” had a dog named Wimpy and was a paperboy, ballboy, and usher at the Paramount Theatre, to name but a few of his jobs. Buster was a 1945 graduate of Newport News High School where he excelled in track; he later attended Elon College. A veteran of WWII, he served with the Marine Corps’ occupation forces in Tientsin, China at the end of the war. He and Pat Young were married in 1951 and moved to the Hidenwood community where they raised two daughters and encouraged all their pursuits.

Buster and Pat were lifelong members of First Baptist Church where Buster served as deacon and coached youth basketball. An avid tennis player and golfer, he once won the Shipyard Tennis Tournament Championship in doubles, a feat the family never tired of celebrating. Buster possessed a prodigious sports memory, recalling final shots and players as far back as the Rose Bowl of 1939, which he listened to on the radio (USC 7, Duke 3). He and Pat enjoyed a life rich with family and friends. From the earliest bridge club days to their extensive travels and golden years at Warwick Forest Retirement Community, goodness and mercy have surely followed them. (Ps. 23)

Buster retired from the Purchasing Department of Newport News Shipbuilding after a 38- year career that afforded friendships locally and wherever they sell steel. Having ‘Built Good Ships’ at work, Buster continued to build good things for his family as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was the ultimate Mr. Fix-it and a gentleman to the core.

Left to cherish his memory are daughters Susan Lang (Edward) and Jane Quilhot (Charles); grandchildren Ryan Lang (Courtney), Blair Lang (Becca), Kyle Lang, Rebecca Boswell (Gabe), and Courtney Sando (Noah), as well as nine great grandchildren. He was predeceased by sisters Mary Mesic, and Frances Coggin (Roy). The family wishes to thank caregivers Marsha Gualandri, Barbara Smith-Owen, Nash Wilcox, and Rebecca of Medi Home Hospice.

A private graveside service will be held in April. Donations in Buster’s memory may be made to the Peninsula Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 377, NN, VA 23607.