Pasquale Buba

1946 - 2018

Pasquale "Pat" Buba, 72, of Studio City, Calif., formerly of Braddock, Pa., passed away at home in Los Angeles Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, after a brave fight with cancer. A Steelers fan to the end, Pat was born April 16, 1946 in Braddock; a beloved son of the late Edward Buba, of Braddock Hills, and Angeline (Gentile) Buba, of Tursi, Italy. Pat is survived by his wife, Zilla Clinton; brother, Anthony (Tony) Buba; sisters-in-law, Ozzie Cowan and Jan McMannis; brother-in-law, Joe Cowan; nieces, Kelly and Jody; great-nephews; supportive cousins, including the Cuccaro and Buba cousins, who were like brothers and sisters to Pat; countless friends; and numerous godchildren who adored him. Pat graduated from Braddock High School in 1964. Pat was well-respected in the Braddock community. John Giovani Marquez, a good friend of Pasquale, said, "Pat, thanks for setting the stage for all of us coming out of Braddock back in our years. Your spirit will be in our hearts forever." Pat was the first person in his family to attend college, and he did it in style on a full music scholarship from Carnegie Tech, now Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where he earned a BFA in music. A talented clarinetist, Pat was always first chair. While at CMU, Pat developed a love for film, earning an MFA in TV and film production. As an intern at WQED-TV Pittsburgh, Pat honed his editing skills by working on PBS projects, including Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. WQED is where Pat met the love of his life, Zilla Clinton. Pat's reputation as a film editor grew quickly. He teamed with George Romero and edited many Romero films, including "Day of the Dead," "Knightriders," "Creepshow," and "The Dark Half." With his partners and longtime friends John Harrison and Dusty Nelson, Pat produced and edited the cult thriller "Effects." During his career, Pat also worked with such artists as Martin Scorsese, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Rowdy Herrington, and Michael Mann. Pat's films include the Hollywood blockbusters "Heat," starring Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro and "Striking Distance" starring Bruce Willis. Pat was a member of the American Cinema Editors. Pat's list of credits and awards are too numerous to list. One of his most prized awards was the 1996 EDDIE Award as Best Editor Documentary for "Looking for Richard," directed by Al Pacino and awarded by the American Cinema Editors. The second came in 2000 when Pat and his brother Tony were named Cittadino onorario di Tursi. Pat was remarkably creative, quick-witted and kind. He had an instinct for mentoring and advising young filmmakers. Michael Felsher of Red Shirt Pictures said, "It will seem the coldest of comforts at this time, but if there is a light to be seen in the darkness, it is that Pat's generosity of spirit continues to burn bright within me and so many others out there. Thank you, Pat. You changed my life." Pat's creative work affected many others. Steve Barton of Brainwaves Horror said, "We here at Brainwaves Horror and Paranormal would like to take this time to offer our sincerest of condolences to Buba's friends, family members, and constituents. Godspeed, sir, and thank you for all that you gave and for helping to create memories that will last for generations to come." Pat's passing will be felt by the many whose lives he touched, especially by his brother, Tony, and his wife, Zilla. It was always Patsy and Zilla, Zilla and Patsy. She was by his side to the end. He will be missed.
A celebratory gathering will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, followed at 5 p.m. by a commemoration service, at PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY INC., TURTLE CREEK/MONROEVILLE CHAPEL, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145, 412-823-9350.
Those wishing to honor Pat's memory can send donations to Braddock Carnegie Library, 419 Library St., Braddock, PA 15104 (www.braddockcarnegielibrary.org); or ACLU, 247 Fort Pitt Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (aclupa.org), or Humane Animal Rescue, 6924 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (www.humaneanimalrescue.org).