Fred V. Buitron, Sr. - March 27, 1952 – January 9, 2009

Fred V. Buitron, passed away at the age of 56 on Friday, January 9, 2009 at 1:30 a.m. of a heart attack.

A memorial service will be held for Fred Buitron this Saturday, January 17^th, at 3:30 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign War Hall on Veterans Street, off of Price Road behind the Hygeia Company.  In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to his wife and 3 year old son. 

Everyone is invited to come celebrate the life of a man, who made a big difference in the chess community of Brownsville.

Fred was married to Elizabeth Brenda Parra-Buitron.  He is survived by his son, Victor Fred Buitron, 3 years old and from his previous marriage his son Fred (Freddy) Buitron, Jr., from Houston; his daughter, Darlene Ghezzi from Florida and his two grandchildren: Enzo Ghezzi, 4 years and Jovi Ghezzi, 2 years. His parents: Anastacio & Rafaela Buitron, sisters: Perla, Belle, and Estella, his brother George, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his brother Rick.

Fred graduated from Brownsville High School in 1971.  He attended Texas A & I from 1971 to 1974 where he received his ROTC Training. He achieved the rank of ROTC Colonel.  He was commissioned to the U.S. Army in the Field Artillery Corp.  He proudly served his country at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, Fort Hood in Texas and in Germany.  He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1982 where he achieved the rank of Captain.

After his active military service, Fred worked as a volunteer with the ROTC Program at Hanna High School and also, assisted with the ROTC Drill Team at Porter High School.  He was high respected and admired for his commitment and dedication.  On numerous occasions the ROTC groups he worked with were given high performance awards for their drill performances.

Fred worked for the Brownsville Independent School District for 20 years.  He volunteered at Homer Hanna High School, as an ROTC instructor, and as a Technology Teacher at Oliveira Middle School and as Chess Coach.  After his tenure at Oliveira Middle School he went to Hubert R. Hudson Elementary under the direction of Principal Dr. Oscar Cantu, Sr. During his tenure at Hudson Elementary, Fred was the Resource and Technology teacher and a Chess Coach.

Fred was instrumental in receiving numerous awards for the Hudson Chess Team at the National, State and Local levels.  Some of the awards received were:  Texas State Elementary Scholastic Chess Champions – Back to Back; K-1 Team – 2^nd Place National Champions; 3-5 Team – 2^nd Place National Champions; State Chess Champions for 5 years and numerous 1^st Place awards at Regional Chess Tournaments.  Proclamations were received from the United States Senate and from the City of Brownsville for contributions to the Chess Program, during his tenure at Hudson Elementary.  Fernando Spada, a second grade student and member of Hudson Chess Team placed second at the Worlds Chess Tournament, also under his tenure.

A memorial service will be held for Fred Buitron this Saturday, at 3:30 p.m. at the V.F.W. located on Veterans Street, off of Price Road behind the Hygeia Company.  In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to his wife and 3 year old son.

Everyone is invited to come celebrate the life of a man, who made a big difference in the chess community of Brownsville.

Fred V. Buitron – May you rest in peace.