Buz Korn

Irving Korn, a longtime resident of Glen Rock, NJ, died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 8, surrounded by members of his family. He was 75.

Irving, known by his family, friends, neighbors and business associates as Buz, was an entrepreneur, musician, car enthusiast, vintage automobile and toy collector and a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. 

After graduating from Clifton High School in 1968, he attended Montclair State University, earning a bachelor of arts degree in music education. Buz played the cello and performed in various NJ orchestras.

In 1972, Buz's parents, Arnold and Rhoda, invited him to join a new business venture they were starting: Akorn Discount Tire Center. He decided to shift careers, a move that would change his life forever. One night after responding to an off-hours alarm at Akorn, Buz stopped by JP's in Clifton, a popular restaurant/bar for young singles. On the dance floor, Buz met a woman named Doreen, whom he would later marry. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary next month.

Buz and his parents grew Akorn, formerly located in Fair Lawn, NJ, into a successful Bergen County business. When a customer walked inside, one could see the vast collection of cars, trucks, bikes and toys Buz had collected through the years; he would regale customers with stories of his treasures and how he acquired his repertoire.

Akorn was more than a business. It was a site for Buz's friends to meet and talk shop, and served as a location to store his innumerable race cars, sports cars, horse-drawn carriages and vintage fire truck. Everyone knew Akorn and Buz -- he was a local legend.

Buz's passion for autos and collecting took hold in his daughter, Morgan. The two traveled to Italy one year, touring the Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati museums and factories, completing the famous "Motor Valley" pilgrimage. He was also a frequent presence at the Amelia Concours d'Elegance in Florida, and would travel across the U.S. to visit his fellow collectors.

Buz, above all, was a generous and adoring father and husband, who took tender care of his wife when she was undergoing cancer treatment in the 1980s. He took immense pride in his children's accomplishments and spoke of them at length to his friends and acquaintances. According to Buz's son Douglas, the two would have "heart-to-heart" talks in the Studebaker parked in the garage. Buz offered his son guidance, wisdom and forgiveness during these conversations.

Buz is survived by his wife Doreen; his daughter Morgan and her husband Chris; his son Douglas and his wife Lori and their children Harley and Jackson. He will forever be in their hearts. 

A viewing will be held Thursday, Sept. 18, at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, located at 257 Godwin Avenue in Wyckoff, NJ. All are invited to attend from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The burial will take place at Beth-El Cemetery in Paramus on Friday, Sept. 19. Flowers may be sent to Vander Plaat Funeral Home, or donations in Buz's memory may be made to Amnesty International,  Market Street Mission or North Shore Animal League. 

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