Giuseppe Buffa

Giuseppe Buffa (Joe, Uncle Joe, Little Joe, Pino, Grandpa, Nonno, Buffa) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024, surrounded with the love of his children, grandchildren and the comfort of the calls from his family in Sicily. Giuseppe was born October 10, 1940, in Sicily. He was the 6th child (of 8) of Salvatore Buffa and Rosa Carlotta. In 1965 he married Rosalena DiLorenzo and moved to the United States where they had 3 children, Salvatore (Eileen) Buffa, Rosa Buffa and Mary (Jeffery) McKelvey. His legacy carries on through his grandchildren: Francesco, Rosaria, Carlton, Anthony, Elizabeth, Keagen and his great-grandchildren: Violet, Joah, Veronica, Vivianna, Santino, Payton & Rosalena.

At 4’ 11”, Giuseppe was the tallest, proudest man one could have the privilege of knowing. Giuseppe led an eventful life. He left school after the 3rd grade to help support his family. He tended the fields and cared for the animals. As all the stories tell, he was one to be reckoned with – he would be the first to say he never lost a fight. With a grin he would often say, “nobody beata me!” He certainly did not stand by and let someone he cared for or himself be crossed.

To say Giuseppe was a hard worker would be an understatement. He started working at Lescoa the day after he arrived in the United States. He never missed work unless he was forced. The stubborn man even went to work the day after he took his own tonsils out. He also put a new roof on the house the day after having back surgery. Nothing would hold him back from his responsibilities. He loved his second job with family at Fred’s Pizza for 30+ years, then at Villa Pizza for over 10 years. He took pride in being a provider for his family.

Giuseppe did not only take care of his family, but he also took care of anyone that he could help. His hands worked miracles on helping others with sore backs, strains, sprains and broken bones. He was very proud to have this gift and never took it lightly, it was a gift he knew came from Heaven above. His hands weren’t just for those miracles, he had a “green thumb” like no other. Giuseppe always had a large garden which would overproduce not only in yield, but in the size of the plants. He fed everyone he could and gave them a glass of homemade wine to wash it down.

Giuseppe was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalena, of 40 years. After Rosalena’s death he had a loving relationship with Petronilla Russo-Martin who also preceded him in death. He developed dementia, he stayed in his home with his daughter, Rosa, and grandson, Anthony until medical conditions were more than what could be cared for in the home. He then went to Care Cardinal of Belmont where he was adored and cared for by their great staff. The family will always be grateful to all that were by his side during his journey.

Giuseppe was always full of wise advice and great stories. If dementia hadn’t affected him, we are sure his last word of advice to us would be his motto, “cry for one day if they leave, two days if they die”. In his honor, cry today and tomorrow and then move forward because, “disa life”.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 am on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. S.W., with Fr. Stephen Durkee presiding. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, May 9 from 6-8 pm and Friday, May 10 from 10 am-12 pm and 6-8 pm at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 Division Ave, Wyoming.