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He enjoyed making kiffles with his mother and sharing family recipes together.

Stephen Paul Buss, 40, of Pennsburg, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. He was the husband of Jacqueline Buss (Herbert) - they deeply loved each other for 25 years as high school sweethearts and were married for 15 years. Born in Allentown, Stephen was the beloved only son of Robin and Rosanne Buss (Hewko) of Moore Twp.

An exceptional scholar throughout his life, Stephen achieved the rare distinction of graduating as valedictorian at every level of his formal education. He graduated from Northampton Area High School in 2004, from Ursinus College with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2008, and with a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Maryland in 2013.

Stephen built a career as an academic librarian, combining his remarkable intellect, love of learning, and gift for working with information. Most recently, Stephen returned to his alma mater, Ursinus College, where he served as Associate Director of Collections and Systems in library and information technology.

Whether the subject was American history, sports statistics, cars, or countless other topics, he had an extraordinary depth of knowledge and genuinely enjoyed sharing it with others. Stephen was an avid reader, published author, teacher, and an exceptional public speaker. He had a heart for helping people.

For all of Stephen's academic and professional accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family, particularly his boys. He loved throwing a football with Owen and playing baseball with Dylan. He found joy in taking stroller walks and naps with Baby Ethan. Stephen and Jackie shared a love for theme parks and rollercoasters, taking many family trips to Knoebels and Disney World. He enjoyed making kiffles with his mother and sharing family recipes together. Stephen was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, and deer hunting with his father. He played the oboe and loved listening to classic rock and country hits while dancing in the kitchen with his boys. He was also a devoted Philadelphia sports fan who faithfully followed the Eagles and Phillies.

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He had a heart for helping people.

Stephen was a member of Morning Star Fellowship in Pennsburg, and enjoyed helping on Sundays with the children's ministry and sharing his faith in Jesus with the next generation.

In addition to his wife, he will be lovingly remembered by his children: Owen, Dylan, and Ethan Buss, all at home; his parents Rosanne and Robin (Hewko) Buss of Moore Twp; sister-in-law Paula Citriniti (Anthony) of Center Valley; brother-in-law Matthew Herbert (Stephen O'Reilly) of Ireland; father & mother-in-law Jeffrey and Sharon Herbert (Vincent) of Moore Twp; aunt Marcia (Hewko) Freed (Joel) of Emmaus; cousin Stacy Answini (Christian) and their children Grayson and Fiona of Macungie; uncle Glenn Buss (Nelda) of Blacksburg, VA; and uncle Neal Buss (Audrey) of Middleburg, PA; and many other cousins and friends.

Visitation hours and the Memorial Service to celebrate Stephen's life will be held at GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2165 Community Drive, Bath, PA 18014. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026, in the funeral home. Interment will follow the memorial service at Hope Cemetery of Hecktown. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at: bensingfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made toward the Buss Family Go-Fund-Me