Doctor led way in innovative memory loss, drug research

Dr. Jerry Buccafusco, a Regents professor and the director of the Alzheimer's Center at Medical College of Georgia, died early Saturday. His son says he was committed to his family. 

To many who knew him, Dr. Jerry Buccafusco is leaving behind a legacy in both his professional career and personal life.

"I believe this is a huge loss for us," said Dr. William Caldwell, the chairman of the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department at the Medical College of Georgia, where Buccafusco also worked. "He was a great person and friend.
"He's certainly been an outstanding teacher and scientist throughout his career."
Buccafusco, a Regents professor and the director of the Alzheimer's Center at MCG and husband of Regina Buccafusco, the chairwoman of the Columbia County Board of Education, died Saturday morning at his Evans home, surrounded by his family. He was diagnosed with advanced-stage liver and lung cancer less than two weeks ago.
In addition to leading the way in innovate research of diseases relating to memory loss, the 60-year-old also had worked on drug and substance abuse, his colleagues said.
"His research has really changed our understanding of diseases of memory loss and their treatment," Caldwell said. "He's been recognized by institutions and organizations all over the country for his work."
Buccafusco was the recipient of a number of honors and awards, including The New Investigator Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 1980.
"He was always a big proponent of developing novel drugs for patients with Alzheimer's and memory disorders," said Dr. David Hess, the chairman of the Department of Neurology at MCG. "He was also a wonderful mentor."
At one time, Buccafusco served as chairman of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center's research committee.
"He did a lot of good for the Augusta and the Medical College of Georgia research community," said Hess, the co-director of the Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute, where he also worked with Buccafusco. "It's a big loss."
Buccafusco's reach wasn't just limited to his laboratory. At home, the husband and father always made time for his family and those in the neighborhood who needed his help, said Buccafusco's eldest son, Chris.
"He was really committed to his family and to seeing them flourish," he said. "He was really perfect at balancing all of these things that he did."
He supported his wife in her campaigns and other endeavors, Chris Buccafusco said.
The avid sports fan was also a huge collector of comic books.
"He was a man of simple but deeply held pleasures," Chris Buccafusco said.
Platt's Funeral Home in Evans is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Monday evening at Platt's, with the funeral Tuesday at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church.