John R. Bussard, M.D.

Dr. John R. Bussard died peacefully in the company of his family on June 17, 2020 at his home in Ringoes, NJ.

He was born on October 9, 1935 in Camden, NJ and spent much of his childhood in the Philadelphia area. He graduated from Ocean City (NJ) High School in 1953, and was a member of the Class of 1957 at Yale University. After earning a Bachelors Degree in History, he enlisted in the Army and served two years at Fort Bliss, Texas. He then continued his education to obtain Teacher Certification and taught high school physics and chemistry at Willingboro (NJ) High School. In 1965 he entered Jefferson Medical College and received his M.D. in 1969. That year he married Jefferson classmate Elizabeth Schroeder, and they began their medical careers as interns at Lancaster General Hospital (PA) and then completed Residencies in Anesthesiology at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut. They joined the staff at the Hunterdon Medical Center in 1972 and served the remainder of their careers there.

After retiring in 1985, John continued to pursue his interest in aviation; he restored three antique WACO biplanes and flew them to many fly-in events over the years. He also enjoyed riding his antique Indian motorcycles. John had a lifelong love of classical music, most especially the works and operas of Mozart. A highlight of his life was attendance at the gala celebration of Mozart’s 250th birthday in Salzburg, Austria. He and his wife traveled yearly to Santa Fe and Glimmerglass summer opera festivals; they were patrons of the Metropolitan Opera.

His love of Mexican culture begun in his El Paso days was rekindled by very many motorcycle trips through various areas of Mexico and he had an avid interest in Maya civilization, enjoying many trips to the splendid ruins of Mesoamerica.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dr. Elizabeth Bussard, his children, Dr. Anne Supina and son-in-law Dylan Supina, PhD., their children, Claire and Evelyn of Malvern, PA, and his son, Major John M. Bussard and daughter-in-law Kathleen and their children, Jack and Sarah of San Diego, CA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation, 9100 Wescott Drive, Suite 202 Flemington, NJ 08822. http://foundation.hunterdonhealthcare.org/

Graveside services will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 11:00 am in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, 114 Old York Road (Route 514), Ringoes, NJ under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held from 6:00-7:00 pm on Monday, June 22, 2020 in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ.

For further information or to send online condolences we invite you to visit www.holcombefisher.com.