First Sgt. David J. Budzinski, 53; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Legend

David J. Budzinski, 53, of Street, passed away at Gilchrist Hospice Care, Towson, on Aug. 17, after courageously battling a cancerous brain tumor. David was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., on Dec. 15, 1961, to Alex Budzinski, Jr. and Frances (Schivoni) Clussman, who later divorced.

David chose to enlist in the U.S. Army as an infantryman and later transitioned to being an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. He dedicated over 20 years of service to our nation retiring with the illustrious rank of First Sergeant. He was a veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Storm and awarded the Bronze Star along with other joint medals and commendations for his superior work. David was considered to be a legend throughout the EOD community for being very knowledgeable in US and foreign ordnance, especially while he served on CBRNE specialized teams, such as with the United Nations Special Commission.

After his retirement, David continued to serve his Nation as a US Army civilian assigned to the 20th CBRNE Command/CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity (CARA) as an as Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Technical Specialist. During his 13-year-tenure while assigned to CARA, he deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, as a Remediation Response Team Leader to rid that country of Weapons of Mass Destruction. He had numerous hobbies and enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and riding his motorcycle.

David married Germaine Cortes on Jan. 11, 1986, who survives him. They have three children, Jason (Amanda), James and Elizabeth. He was looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild due in December. David is also survived by his father and stepmother, Alex and Lea Budzinski, his mother and her partner, Frances Clussman and Merle Haas, his sisters, Deanna (Gary) Mossak, Debbie (Dan) Hafermann, Julie (Rick) Van Der Leest, Julie (Kevin) O’Day, Carrie Huff, and brother, Keith Clussman.

The family will receive guests on Sunday, August 23, 2015, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Schimunek Funeral Home in Bel Air, Maryland. A memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. David will be laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.