Peter M. Busa

Mr. Peter M. Busa, age 72, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2007, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, with his loving family by his side, after a brief illness. Born in Messina, Sicily, Italy on February 1, 1935, Peter was the son of the late Guiseppe and Victoria (Raffa) Busa. He came to the United States and to Utica as a child and was raised and educated locally. On August 27, 1955 he married the former Vita M. Valenzano. The couple shared a wonderful relationship that was blessed with love, respect, and compassion. Peter was employed at the Joseph & Feiss Co. as a tailor and served as shop steward prior to his retirement. He was generous and compassionate of spirit, and had a solid work ethic. A versatile and social man, Peter knew how to be a friend to a variety of people involved in his life. He was a source of wonderful, sound advice and direction when it was needed. He felt that he was blessed to have a wonderful wife by his side, a son who adored and respected his father, and the joys of his grandchildren, who Peter cherished with all his heart. A passionate outdoorsman, he was an accomplished hunter and fisherman. He appreciated the art of mushrooming and tended his own vegetable garden with much devotion. He was a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Peter is survived by his cherished wife of 52 years, Vita; his adored son and daughter-in-law, Joseph M. and Mary Ellen Busa of Sauquoit; and his grandchildren, Ashley, Brittany, and Peter Joseph Busa, who affectionately knew him as Poppy. Also surviving are his sisters, Sarina DeAngelo of Italy, and Congetta DeAngelo of FL; his nieces, with special mention of Angela Musa who was also his godchild, his nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, his brother-in-law Jack Fazio, and his sister-in-law, Judy Ritzel. He also leaves his friends of many years, Frank Maggiore, Antonino Colicchio, Cheech Capirci, Louie Spano, Joe Nicotera, and John Juliano. He was predeceased by his sister, Josephine Fazio, his in-laws, Victor “Ninnie” and Fay Valenzano, and his brother-in-law, Donald A. Valenzano. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, especially the Medical Intensive Care Unit “special angels”, from caregivers to housekeeping, for their genuine love and concern for Peter and Vita; they made the past 2 months more accepting, and the family will be forever grateful for such a loving staff to support them. Also, thanks to Sister Jacqueline Spiridigloizzi for her spiritual guidance and uplifting nature. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00 – 8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Peter’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place at Calvary Mausoleum.

Peter M. Busa

February 1, 1935 - July 5, 2007