Buzz Aldrin Mourns Wife Anca Faur’s Death Just 2 Years After Their Wedding: ‘I Will Miss Her Dearly’
Tragedy has struck the family of Buzz Aldrin, the American icon who made history as the second man to walk on the moon. His beloved wife, Dr. Anca Faur, has passed away — just two years after their marriage.
Faur, 66, died peacefully on the night of Tuesday, October 28, with her husband and her son, Vlad Ghenciu, by her side, according to a statement shared on Facebook by the Faur and Aldrin families.
“Mrs. Aldrin, an accomplished chemical engineer with a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, served as the treasurer for the California Hydrogen Business Council and as Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC,” the statement read.
In a touching tribute, the 95-year-old astronaut said:
“I am so fortunate to have found and married the love of my life. She brought joy to everything we did together. I will miss her dearly.”
No further details regarding her cause of death have been released.
A Love Written in the Stars
Buzz Aldrin and Anca Faur’s romance was one of admiration, partnership, and mutual respect. The couple first met at a professional event in December 2017 and began dating in the spring of 2018.
On January 20, 2023 — Aldrin’s 93rd birthday — they exchanged vows in a small, intimate ceremony near their home.
“It was a beautiful day,” Aldrin told PEOPLE in 2023. “We had decided on a private ceremony, as suitably intimate — just us and the stars in the sky.”
The retired astronaut once described his wife as having “the whole Wizard of Oz package — brains, heart, and courage.”
“There’s something special about her and the way we connect so well,” he shared. “I’ve never been happier in my life. She’s the love of my life, and we do everything together — from meals and planning projects to watching the world go by.”
An Extraordinary Woman
Before meeting Aldrin, Dr. Anca Faur had already built an impressive career in science and sustainability.
Born in Romania, she earned her degree in Organic Chemistry Technology from Politehnica University Timisoara before spending seven years as a chemical engineer and research assistant in her home country.
In the early 1990s, she relocated to the United States, where she pursued a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. She later worked for nearly two decades at Johnson Matthey, a leading British sustainable technologies company.
From 2014 to 2020, she served as treasurer for the California Hydrogen Business Council, advocating for cleaner energy initiatives and green innovation.
Her brilliance and passion for science later brought her into collaboration with Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC, where she became Executive Vice President — combining her scientific expertise with Aldrin’s pioneering vision for the future of space exploration and sustainability.
A Life of Love and Legacy
Buzz Aldrin, now 95, has lived a life defined by history, discovery, and resilience. Yet, in recent years, he credited Anca Faur for bringing him joy, balance, and companionship beyond his career and fame.
Their union marked Aldrin’s fourth marriage. He was previously married to Joan Archer (1954–1974), Beverly Van Zile (1975–1978), and Lois Driggs Cannon (1988–2012).
Faur’s passing leaves behind a deep void not only in Aldrin’s life but also in the scientific community, where she was admired for her intelligence, integrity, and quiet strength.
“She was more than my partner,” Aldrin said. “She was my inspiration.”
