Jeremiah Budzik, a friend of the world, passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2022.
Jeremiah was born February 1, 1973, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Gerald W. Budzik and Caroline McGraw. His adventures began when the family moved to Canada for five years when he was 8. There he made lasting friendships, began to study French, and won several awards in public speaking. Returning to the states, the family settled in West Reading PA, where he graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1991. Jeremiah went on to attend Kenyon College in Gambier, OH. While at Kenyon he took a year abroad and studied at the University of Exeter and fell in love with Europe and especially Great Britain. He received a B.A. in English literature with a minor in theatre from Kenyon in 1995.
A self-taught computer geek, he took his love of travel, languages, and computers into various jobs that enabled him to live in New York, California, Ireland, France, the United Kingdom, and Philadelphia where he finally settled in 2017. Jeremiah was one of the early pioneers of the emerging internet advertising world. He worked for DoubleClick, MTV Europe, AppNexus, Iponweb, and most recently he was a Global Solutions Consultant with Adform in their New York office. He embraced every opportunity to travel, experience new cultures and make new friends.
A musician, Jeremiah played the drums and had eclectic musical taste with a record collection to match. He was a thespian, a poet, and an avid reader. A lover of the classics, he was often found quoting from Milton's Paradise Lost. He enjoyed cooking with family and friends and loved hosting “American style” BBQ’s for his European friends. He enjoyed watching sports, especially Newcastle United, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ohio State. He had a passion for baseball and liked nothing better than attending Philly games with his dad. Jeremiah was an avid gardener and tried to show others they could garden anywhere, even outside their Philadelphia city homes.
Jeremiah is survived by his father, Gerald Budzik and his wife, Doris; his mother, Caroline McGraw Leithiser and her husband, Bryan; and his sister, Mary DiMartino, and her husband Tom. He is also survived by his two nephews, Mender and Xavier DiMartino.
Jeremiah has left a void in the lives of many throughout the world. For those looking for ways to honor his life, you are encouraged to gather in your nearest pub, toast him with a glass of Jameson, and happily exchange stories of how he became part of your life.
Jeremiah was concerned about food insecurity in this country and was bothered by the fact many children were lacking food. Donations in his memory to local food banks, soup kitchens, and school lunch programs would be appreciated.
On Saturday July 2, 2022, at 10:30 am. a Memorial Service for Jeremiah Budzik will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Rd., Lancaster, PA. Internment of ashes in the Church Memorial Garden will follow.
All friends of Jeremiah and his family are invited to drop by the Clubhouse at the Highlands, 100 Wickshire Circle, Lititz, PA. between the hours of 1-5pm to join in an informal Celebration of Jeremiah’s Life. We will share food and fellowship, stories and pictures, laughter, and tears as we remember our son, brother, and friend.
If you are unable to join us, the family would appreciate any notes and pictures you would like to share.
In true Jeremiah style, attire will be casual, hats optional!
Kuhn’s Funeral Home in West Reading, PA handled his cremation. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.