Ennis J. "Buz" Bisbano

Educator • Military Officer • Musician

Ennis J. "Buz" Bisbano, of Punta Gorda, Florida, formerly of Bristol and Cranston, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family.

Above all of his many accomplishments, Buz considered his nearly seventy-four-year marriage to his beloved wife, Theresa "Terry" (Esposito) Bisbano, to be the greatest blessing of his life. Together they built a family grounded in faith, love, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. Through every chapter of his remarkable life, Terry was his constant partner, greatest supporter, and the love of his life.

Born in Bristol, Rhode Island, on April 19, 1930, Buz was the son of the late N. Joseph and Antonette (Codola) Bisbano. He graduated from Colt Memorial High School in 1947, earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Rhode Island College, and pursued graduate studies at Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, the University of Connecticut, and Roger Williams University.

Buz devoted more than three decades to public education. Beginning as a mathematics and science teacher in Cranston in 1955, he later served as Coordinator of Educational Technology and Media before becoming Assistant Superintendent and ultimately Superintendent of Bristol Public Schools. Upon his retirement in 1987, he was honored with the title of Superintendent Emeritus. Throughout his career, he also served as President of the Cranston Teachers Association, Assistant Executive Secretary of the National Education Association, negotiated hundreds of labor agreements, represented educators before state and federal agencies, and was selected on four occasions to represent the United States through the People to People Mission.

Following his retirement from public education, Buz founded National Management Consultants, specializing in labor relations and educational consulting throughout New England. He also served as a Hearing Officer for the Commissioner of Education and as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, where his published decisions earned widespread professional respect.

His dedication to service extended well beyond education. After serving four years in the United States Air Force, he continued a distinguished military career with the Rhode Island Air National Guard, retiring in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He remained a tireless advocate for veterans as founder and first Commander of AMVETS Post #37, Commander of AMVETS Department of Rhode Island and National District One, President of the United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, and a member of Governor Bruce Sundlun's Advisory Commission for Veterans Affairs. As President of the Bristol Veterans' Council, he helped establish the Bristol War Veterans' Honor Roll Garden.

Music was one of Buz's lifelong passions. A professional trumpet player by age fifteen, he performed with many renowned orchestras before forming the Buz Terry Orchestra in 1958, one of New England's premier dance bands. During his years as Superintendent of Schools, music took a back seat to the demands of his profession. At Terry's loving encouragement, he returned to the trumpet for their 50th wedding anniversary and continued performing with several big bands throughout southwest Florida.

Those who knew Buz will remember a man of integrity, humility, quiet determination, and unwavering dedication to others. Whether serving his country, leading schools, mentoring educators, resolving labor disputes, volunteering in his community, or sharing music with friends, he approached every endeavor with excellence and generosity.

In addition to his beloved wife, Terry, Buz is survived by his daughters, Jo-Ann Messerlian (late Husband Alan) and longtime companion Frank Fede, and Lynn Bisbano; his granddaughters, Paula (Messerlian) Schartner (Richard), Heather (Messerlian) Longo, Amy Messerlian-Magidin (Dimitry), and Mia Attruia; his cherished great-grandchildren, Olivia Longo, Gabriella Longo, Jack Schartner, Madilyn Schartner, Tyler Schartner, Dean Magidin, and Drew Magidin; his sisters, Kathy (Bisbano) Gray and Madeline (Bisbano) Martin; and many beloved nieces, nephews, former students, colleagues, fellow veterans, fellow musicians, and dear friends.

His legacy lives on through the generations of students he inspired, the veterans he served, the music he shared, and, above all, the family he and Terry built together.

His Mass of Christian Burial to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held on Wednesday, August 12th at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol, followed by burial with military honors at North Burial Ground Cemetery, Bristol. VISITING HOURS are Tuesday, August 11th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Buz’s honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or to DAV – Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Checks should be made payable to the respective organization.