Michael Buendia
Michael Anthony Buendia, devoted husband, father and son, was granted eternal life on May 29, 2023.
He was born on Nov. 15, 1979, in Richland, Wa., and was the eldest son of Adriano and Sofia Buendia. As a child, he moved with his family to New Hampshire and then to Tennessee where he spent most of his life. He graduated from St. Jude School and Notre Dame High School prior to attending Vanderbilt University where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Computer Engineering and Mathematics in 2002. He then earned his master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2005.
He worked as a software engineer at the Chattanooga Group until 2010, then transitioned to a Senior Firmware engineer at Heartland Payment Systems until 2017. He then joined Global Payments Inc. as a firmware engineer manager and was promoted to the director of engineering in 2019. Michael married the love of his life, Karmel Jochym, on January 6, 2018. They welcomed their first child, Isabella, in October 2018 and their second child, Lucy, in January 2021. He was a member of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and St. Jude Catholic Church and was devoted to his Catholic faith.
Michael enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing trivia, eating donuts, hunting clearance deals, playing guitar, watching wrestling, and finding collectable items. His bright smile and humor made everyone he encountered feel welcomed and comforted. Most of all, Michael was dedicated to his family, embracing his role as a loving husband and doting father of his beautiful daughters. He was the best brother, uncle, son, and friend to all.
He was preceded in death by his father, Adriano Buendia, and grandparents.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Karmel, his two adoring daughters, Isabella and Lucy, his mother, Sofia, his sister, Allyson (Matthew) Underwood, nieces, Madeline and Abigail, and his brother, Matthew Buendia, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
There will be a visitation at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home at 5351 SR 153 on Sunday, June 4, from 4-7 p.m. and at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on June 5, 2023 from 1-2 p.m., followed by the funeral mass at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Jude Catholic Church at 930 Ashland Terrace at 4 p.m.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.