Herbert J. “Buddy” Draney III, 79, of Newtown, died peacefully January 31, at Danbury Hospital. He was born in Paterson, N.J., January 22, 1935, to Ann and Herbert Draney. He lived most of his life, raising a family, in Wyckoff, N.J., before moving to Newtown in 1998.

After high school, he worked for Susquehanna Railroad, where he met his future wife. He worked 20 years for Abex Corporation in Mahwah, N.J., and retired from Midland Park Board of Education in 1998.

His daughter and son-in-law Lorraine and Paul van Veen of Newtown; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and a brother, Robert Draney of Fair Lawn, N.J. survive Mr Draney. His wife of 37 years, Carolann (Duffy) Draney; and two sisters, Jacqueline Staff and Elizabeth Walsh, predeceased him.

A memorial service will be held at a later time.

Memorial donations may be made to the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 344, Newtown CT  06470.

The Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, is serving the family.