THADDEUS BUCZKO

BUCZKO, Thaddeus A Life of Service, Honor, Kindness Judge Thaddeus "Ted" Buczko, a proud son of Salem, died peacefully on March 7, 2021, at the age of 95 with his loving family close by. Thaddeus Buczko was the middle child in a family of seven children, born on February 23, 1926, in Salem, to Ignacy & Veronica (Brzozowska) Buczisko (changed to Buczko) — Polish farmers who were recruited by Salem mill owners with the promise of a better life. After graduating from Salem High School in 1943, Buczko attended Norwich University in Northfield, VT before serving his country in the Navy in WWII. He was first assigned to the destroyer U.S.S. Bearss (DD-654) & was present during the "last shot" of the war off the coast of Japan. He then served aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway. After the war, Buczko completed his degree at Norwich University & was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Armored Cavalry, U.S. Army, serving in Korea before earning his J.D. at Boston University School of Law in 1951. Buczko maintained a role in the U.S. Army Reserves until he retired in 1979 as a Colonel & Chief of Staff of the 94th Army Reserve Command (ARCOM), where he supervised more than 12,000 citizen-soldier reservists in over 100 units in New England. In 1953, Buczko began a long career of public service. The elected or appointed positions he held included Salem City Council (1955-1979, at age 29), State Representative (1959-1964), Postmaster of Salem (1963), & State Auditor (1964-1980). In 1980 ,Massachusetts Governor Edward J. King appointed Buczko to serve as an Associate Justice of the Essex County Probate & Family Court. He rose to First Justice in 1986 and served until reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. In 2016, the newly restored Probate & Family Court Building on Federal Street in Salem was renamed in his honor. Following his retirement, Buczko continued his lifelong commitment to philanthropic, religious & civic activities. He was particularly dedicated to the City of Salem, to his alma maters, to veterans, to Polish-American organizations & the Pope John Paul II & Kosciuszko Foundations. Thaddeus Buczko was a steady, ever-present man of faith & family. He will be remembered with love & gratitude for his warmth, good-natured charm, sincerity & loyalty. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of his family, his many friends, & in all of the communities of which he was a part. Judge Buczko's Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. John Paul II Shrine of Divine Mercy, St. Peter St., Salem, Monday, March 15th at 9 A.M. All attendees must register to attend the Mass by visiting his eternal tribute at odonnellfuneralservice.com or by calling the funeral home (978-744-2350). Burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours at O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., SALEM, Sunday, March 14th from 2 to 6 P.M. All attendees are required to wear face coverings & practice social distancing. Donations may be made to the Judge Thaddeus Buczko Scholarship Fund C/O Norwich University, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield, VT 05663. www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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