I just finished watching the beautiful and moving tribute video for John. Even though we haven’t seen each other in over 30 years, I have wonderful memories of our childhood together on Pond St., Saltmakers Rd., and Court St. He was “Buddy,” I was “Butch”. His parents, John and Pat, were my godparents. His dad was also best man at my parents’ wedding. His grandmother, Comara Antonetta, was my mother’s confirmation sponsor, and in turn, my mother was confirmation sponsor for his beloved aunt, Rosemary (Babe).
My family lived on the second floor of the Pond St. house for almost five years, then Buddy and his parents lived there afterward until they moved to Saltmakers Rd. Our families remained close, over three generations. Families not by blood, but by culture, baptism, confirmation, and the Holy Spirit. I will always consider him my brother. Sadly we lost touch after my wife, Lee, and I moved to North Carolina, about 30 years ago. Yet, when our oldest son died 11 years ago, and I lost two of my brothers within seven months of each other in 2019, there were the words of sympathy and comfort sent from John and Donna.
Donna and family, I am deeply saddened by John’s death. Our heart goes out to all of you in this time of grief, yet also a time of celebration of a life well-lived.
Tony Bucci
Charlotte, NC