Obituary of George August Bucheli

George August Bucheli unexpectedly passed away on November 13, 2018 in New Haven, CT. He was 55 years young.
Mr. Bucheli was born on January 7, 1963 in Stamford, CT to his parents, Victor Bucheli (deceased) and Benigna Avila from Naugatuck, CT. He graduated from the Connecticut Junior Academy in 1981.
He lived with his longtime partner, Jim Tretiak (deceased) for many years in New Haven, CT. They both worked in professions that provided outreach and support to people in need in their community such as at APNH and Leeway in New Haven. Mr. Bucheli dedicated the last 26 years of his life serving the people in the community that struggle with recovery due to substance use, chronic homelessness, and at-risk for overdose for the City of New Haven Health Department.
Mr. Bucheli was a maverick in the field of harm reduction with a passion for helping people often forgotten & overlooked due to their mental health and drug use. He was an original member of ACT UP New Haven and led many peer interventions geared towards reducing HIV, Hepatitis and preventing overdose for people in the greater New Haven area. Inspiring advocacy, social justice, and meeting people ‘where they are’ was his life-long driving goal. Born with quick wit and a wonderful salty sense of humor, he could lift up anyone’s mood with his infectious laugh and smile.
Mr. Bucheli is survived by his mother, Benigna Avila; his brothers, Victor, David, John; his sisters, Zoila, Ambritt, Marianne; his niece, Denise and nephews, Donald, Joshua, Jacob; and his beloved pet, Tristen.
A memorial service will take place on Monday, November 26 at 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Church on the New Haven Green. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Buchelis’ life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ESMS Homeless Shelter located on 345 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT., or your local ASPCA in CT in his name.