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E.G. Bud Shuster, 91, Everett, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Farm on Wednesday after brief hospice care.
Surviving are five children: Peggy Statler (Paul), Congressman Bill Shuster, Debbie Shuster King (Greg), Bob Shuster (Kelly) and Gia Dixon (Grove); 12 grandchildren: Bobby, Ali, Megan, Garrett, Emily, Greg, Will, Michael, Andrew, Jonathan, Daniel and Jack; three great-grandchildren: Julia, Liliana and Paul; several nieces and nephews; and his wife and cherished companion, Darlene Johnston.
He is also survived by special people who provided him friendship, comfort and care through the years: Rebecca Harclerode Shuster, Karen College, Bill Clark, Ron Morse and his family, Shelly Rubino, Alan England, Scott Green and Leann Hertzog.
Bud married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Rommel, on Aug. 27, 1955. She preceded him in death after 61 years of marriage.
He was born in Glassport, Pa., the son and only child of Grace and Prather Shuster.
Bud graduated Magna Cum Laude from Glassport High School, where he was an athlete and a musician. He won an academic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where he not only excelled academically and graduated Phi Beta Kappa, but also served as President of Sigma Chi, the Interfraternity Council, Cadet Colonel of the university's Army ROTC Regiment, won the Grand National Debate Championship and was named the Outstanding Senior of the Class of 1954. He later earned an MBA from Duquesne University and a Ph.D. in Management from American University.
Following his U.S. Army service as an officer and counter-intelligence agent in 1956, he embarked on a career in the computer industry, becoming president and CEO of Datel Corp., a computer terminal company, and a founder of a computer software company.
In 1972, Bud Shuster was elected to the United States Congress from the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. His election was described by Time Magazine as "an unabashed tribute to American achievement ... whose remarkable journey to the U. S. Congress is the stuff of the dream." Bud was elected to Congress 15 times and won both the Republican and Democratic nominations nine times, a feat never before or since accomplished in Pennsylvania history.
During his 28 years in Congress, he was elected president of his 46-member GOP Freshman Class, was Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee and Chairman of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. And although known more widely for his transportation accomplishments, he served as the ranking and senior member of the Select Intelligence Committee.
Bud received more than 130 awards for his congressional service and is the author of five books, including the award-winning "Believing in America."
Bud served for many years as a trustee of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the University of Pittsburgh and Saint Francis University, where he also was an adjunct professor and chapter advisor to Sigma Chi fraternity. He received Sigma Chi's highest honor, the "Order of Constantine."
Throughout his life, Bud was an avid runner, a fitness junkie, handball player, hunter and an accomplished pianist, having performed as a piano soloist with the Altoona Symphony. Of all his accomplishments, what Bud cherished most was his loving family and their time together at the Farm.
Friends will be received from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023; and from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023, at Akers Funeral Home Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023, at First Christian Church, 57 Providence St., Everett, with the Rev. Robert R. Robertson officiating.
Interment will be held privately at the Shuster Family Circle 7 Farm Cemetery, with full military honors conducted by Everett Area Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bud to the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Shuster Family Scholarship Fund, 216 Franklin St., Suite 400, Johnstown, PA 15901, or online at cfalleghenies.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1204.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com.