Boyd Earl "Buddy" Vatalaro

Boyd Earl “Buddy” Vatalaro of Landrum passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021.

Buddy was born on August 15, 1946 in Spartanburg, SC. After graduating from Spartanburg High School in 1964, he proudly began serving his country in the U.S. Air Force from which he retired as a Master Sergeant in February 1985 with 20 and one half years of faithful service. During his military duty he served, three years in Southeast Asia and three in Madrid, Spain. Buddy received many distinguished accomplishments in his military career including the ninth highest award of the U.S. Air Force, the Airman’s Medal in 1976 for “heroic actions at the voluntary risk of his life” for actions performed during a jet aircraft crash at Shaw A.F.B. He received the Meritorious Service Medal with a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement. He also received the Air Force. Commendation Service Medal for meritorious service.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Buddy worked with the U.S. Postal Service in Austin, TX for 19 years as manager of maintenance. In October 2004, he was transferred to Charlotte, NC and, in February 2006, he was transferred to Greenville, SC, for the remainder of his career. He retired from the Postal Service in July 2009 with more than 23 years of service.

From 1975 - 1991, he was an umpire for flag-football, youth tackle football, slow and fast pitch softball. He was currently a member of First Baptist Church of Gowensville. He also has enjoyed volunteering for Mobile Meals for the past nine years.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Tony Vatalaro, a special aunt Edith Gilbert Bailey, and a sister Annette Clayton.

 Buddy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Libby Loftis Vatalaro. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kristian and Rachel, of San Antonio, TX, a grandson, Joe who is attending Georgia Tech. in Atlanta, GA, and a brother, Dale Vatalaro (Kay) of Spartanburg. He is also survived by his in-laws, Joyce Spake, Cotton Loftis and Ruth Weaver, who considered him a brother. A special thank you is extended to Libby’s niece, Amy (Nelson) Sexton for their encouragement, support and help, and to Bert Storey and Cotton Loftis for their weekly lunch dates with Buddy before Covid-19 and for all of their help and support during Buddy’s illness.

The family extends thanks to the staff of the Spartanburg Regional CCU, the Step Down Unit, Agape Hospice House in Landrum, SC, and his Gowensville church family. We could not have made it without your love and support.

In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the Food Ministry of First Baptist Church of Gowensville, 5650 N Highway 14, Landrum, SC 29356-9218.

The service will be private.

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