Robert Joseph Busa Sr. (Bob) of Meriden passed into new life to join Joan Papallo Busa, his wife of 57 years and love of his life for over 60 years, on Saturday, September 22, 2018.
Bob was born May 5, 1929, the son of Carmella Fontanella and Dante Busa from northern Italy. A lifelong resident of Meriden, Bob worked in retail management and thrived as a hard working first generation American. With the gift for mindfully living in the moment, Bob found contentment in the simplicity of everyday life. He used his artistic talent to take care of his longtime home on Gravel Street and later in his life painting pictures, ceramics, and birdhouses, many of which can be seen around town. His greatest happiness came when sitting around the table surrounded by the love of his family, eating good food and enjoying a nice glass of wine.
Left to grieve Bob’s passing are his children Jane Fitzgerald and her husband Mark of Harwinton, Robert Busa Jr. of Meriden, Mark Busa and his wife Mary Rose of Hebron, and Cynthia Burnep of Glastonbury; grandsons Gregory and Benjamin Burnep, John Fitzgerald, and Daniel, Adam, Peter and Paul Busa; siblings Dolores LaRiviere and husband Ron of Union, Maine and Richard Busa of Meriden: an aunt, Albina Masiero, and uncles Lawrence (Dolly) Busa and Uncle Richard Fontanella. He also leaves many special nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. In addition to the love of his life Joan, Bob was predeceased by his brother Ronald Busa, who passed earlier this year.
Bob’s family extends their gratitude to the staff at Connecticut Baptist home for the excellent and loving care of Bob over the years and to Hartford Healthcare Hospice at MidState Medical Center for their compassion and kindness as the family navigated Bob’s final days by his side.
Bob’s memory will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 26th, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 109 Goodwill Avenue, Meriden, CT. Friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden on Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. prior to Mass. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 250 Gypsy Lane, Meriden, where Bob will be laid to rest beside Joan. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Connecticut Baptist Home, 292 Thorpe Ave, Meriden, CT 06450.