Michael Anthony Buscemi

1943 - 2018

Buscemi, Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony Buscemi, of Thornville, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the age of 75. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Susan Buscemi (Renick); his children, Joseph Buscemi (Amy), Colleen Adkinson (Michael), and Dominic Buscemi (Marci Milito); his brothers, William Buscemi (Colleen) and Tom Buscemi (Judy); his seven grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Ann and Tony Buscemi of West Jefferson Ohio, and his eldest son Michael William Buscemi. Mike was born on 2/25/1943 in Columbus, OH. Growing up above his parents' popular Ann & Tony's Restaurant, Mike graduated West Jefferson High School class of 1961 and went on to pursue a career in education, earning a bachelor's degree from Ohio University and a Master's from Xavier, Mike became a powerful advocate for parents, children and schools as a teacher, coach and administrator. After working for the Ohio Department of Education throughout the 1970's, Mike co-founded Quest International, where he developed an innovative character education program for schoolchildren. That work took him to over 25 countries on five continents, sparking a long-running family joke that Mike must really do some kind of "undercover work." Mike served on advisory teams for school administrators and principals as well as for the Lions Clubs International Foundation, where his initiatives reached more than a million young people a year and earned several citations and awards as well as several honorary visits to the White House. For years he served as a selection panelist for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award, traveling each year to New York City to help award the prestigious scholarship to high-performing student athletes. He was made an honorary member on several state PTAs. Throughout, Mike remained a gracious and humble man-devoted to his family and committed to the communities in which he lived and worked. He'll be remembered for his keen but gentle wit, patience and good nature. He was universally beloved as a warm, gentle man of the keenest insight, who somehow always knew exactly what to say to make someone laugh who needed it or make a newcomer feel welcome. He was a role model to his children and grandchildren. Visitation will be held at RADER-McDONALD-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 W. MAIN ST., WEST JEFFERSON, OH 43162, Sunday from 1-3 and 4-6 PM. Prayer Service at 6 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon Monday, March 5, 2018 at SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 9350 High Free Pike, West Jefferson, OH 43162, (614)-879-8562. Father William A. Metzger, Celebrant. Burial will follow the Mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, West Jefferson. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mike's life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to his son's scholarship fund: The Michael Buscemi Scholarship Fund, c/o New Lexington Schools, 2547 New Lexington, OH 43764 Attn: Mr. Coffey. Please visit radermcdonaldtiddfuneralhome.com to send condolences to the Buscemi family.