DETECTIVE JOHN BUONO III

BADGE 568, ID 1125

SDPD 11/15/1968 - 07/07/1996

01/05/1942 - 04/28/2024

THE THIN BLUE LINE

Nephew of Det. Lt. Victor F. Buono

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John Buono III was born in Richmond California on January 5, 1942 and passed away in La Pine Oregon on April 28, 2024.  He was 82 years old.  

John always had a love of deep sea fishing. 

At age 15 (about 9th grade) John opted out of school and joined the deep sea fishing fleet of San Diego. That love continued on with his father for many years.  

John’s  goal in life was to be a cop, eventually he settled enough to get his GED and at age 18 he enlisted in the Air Force as an Air Policeman.  After 8 years, 2 months, 5 days, he was honorably discharged on March 23, 1967. 

He also managed some college classes in Criminal Justice.  

Back then there was an age limit on joining the San Diego Police Department.  John joined the department with the 58th Academy February 15, 1969.  

After 3 years in uniform, he became Detective John Buono.  He  worked on the  Metro Arson Strike Team from 8-20-82 until his retirement.  

Detective Buono’s highest award received was the SDPD Meritorious Service Award.

The biggest case he was part of was SDFD Mast Oklahoma City Bombing.  John often said “I loved who I work with and they know who they are” and  “I would do this job even if they didn’t pay me.”

In John’s spare time he kept busy volunteering at San Diego Children’s Hospital, The Burn Center, OMBAC, Cajon Speedway (Director of Fire/Safety), San Diego 4 Wheelers (President).  In the rest of his spare time his friends and family spent time in the California/Arizona sand dunes, RV’ing and camping.

John was married for over 45 years to Cathy and when they retired, they moved to La Pine Oregon.  

John became the President and Janitor at their Quilt Shop, Homestead Quilts.  

He came to the aid of anybody that needed help fixing or carrying something, he even tried knitting and enjoyed all potlucks.  He volunteered for over 13 years with Partners in Care – Hospice, with His Dog Shayla and became quite the celebrity.  He put his heart and soul into working with Shayla and Hospice patients through Partner’s In Care until the time came when John needed their help himself. 

John is survived by his Wife Cathy, Stepson David, Granddaughter Amber, close friend  RJ, along with other life long family friends, Sister Joanie, half Brother Eddie,  niece, nephew and cousins.