Louis J. Budz, 77, of Denville, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014. Born April 28, 1937, he was the son of the late Stanley and Matilda (Tazik) Budz. Louis worked as a music teacher in the Verona School system for 26 years, he was an accomplished jazz musician and music played a very important part in his life.
He is survived by his wife, Judy (Ezzo) Budz, Denville, daughters Susan Alden of Tennessee, and Laura Budz of Colorado;sister Joan (Joe) Humphries, of California; brother Stanley Budz, of California; step-sons Rob (Kristina) Mauriello and Gregg (Kelly) Mauriello; and grandchildren Robert, Matthew, Luke, Emily and Ethan.
As per Louis’s wishes, all services will be private. Donations to St. Clare’s Behavioral Health Center, Attn: Lynne Chandler, 50 Morris Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834, are greatly appreciated.
Marty Wilson and Joe Arminio, former students of Mr. Budz, are planning a tribute concert in late August. Contact them through Facebook, or watch for details on MyVeronaNJ.com.
Lou was my private saxophone instructor. He was a great guy and an incredible musician. As a high school student I would take two buses and a train once a week to take lessons on saxophone from Lou at his home on Forest Ave in Verona. Lou was loved by so many people and touched the lives of all his students. He will be missed.
Thanks Robert. Yes, he will be missed. Originally I wanted to assemble a tribute concert in late August, as the summer music program closes. As it turns out, this is not an easy task. Instead, there will be a tribute concert for Mr. Budz that will be the encore of the first VHS jazz band concert this year. I do not have the exact date, but believe me I’m ON IT and I will make it happen. I learned so much about music with Mr. Budz and I am determined to produce a proper tribute concert. Join us! Bring your sax! There will be many “old students” some of whom are professional musicians, some are music educators. It will be fun to play “Blue Rock” with the kids. Because “Blue Rock” Rules! RIP Mr Budz