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Thomas Guy Buscemi
Thomas Guy Buscemi
Obituary
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Thomas Buscemi Obituary
He is survived by his wife Judy, sons Tom (Karen), John, and Tony (Megan), daughter Lisa (Chad) Hilliker, step-daughter Jodie Pearson, and stepsons Jack (Donna), Jeff (Ruth), James, John, Joel (Lori), Joe (Megan), Jason, and Jevon (Shannon) Pearson, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers Bill (Colleen) Buscemi and Michael (Susan) Buscemi, his first wife Dorothy (Bittner) Roberts, stepson Joshua Pearson, and nephew Michael Buscemi, jr.
Tom had lived in West Jefferson since the age of 5, when his parents Ann & Tony moved there from Columbus to open their restaurant. At the age of 14, as the middle child in a devout Catholic family in the 1950s, he was set on the path to priesthood and sent to the Josephite Collegiate Seminary in Newburgh, NY. He spent 6 years there, and obtained his associate degree. After deciding not to become a priest, he left the seminary and graduated in 1962 from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in Classical Languages. This is where he met and married Dotti. He worked a wide variety of jobs, including building a house and teaching High School French. He eventually ended up back at the restaurant, his true calling, and in 1972 took over ownership from his father Tony. He was a Renaissance man who had an incredible knack for finding solutions, no matter if it was a food, an organizational, or a mechanical problem. Ann & Tony's great meals were a result of him re-working family recipes, importing a pasta-making machine from Italy, and always serving home-cooked food. He loved visiting with customers, and nothing made him happier than a chance to escape the kitchen and wander around the dining room to chat. His sharp wit and sense of humor endeared him to many, though his habit of talking with his hands probably caused many a mishap with the wait-staff. He was extremely generous due to his love of community; donating his time and money to numerous school and town functions. His spirit of generosity can be seen in his final act of donating his body to science at OSU.
In lieu of flowers, please send your well wishes, and come join us for a Celebration of Life at Ann & Tony's Restaurant on Sunday June 15th between the hours of 12 and 2 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Louise Tessing
June 12, 2025
Oh, Tom! You need not worry anymore. I was honored to know you as one of the kindest, most compassionate, and humorous friends in my life. Rest in Peace, finally! Here´s to La Familia! Love, Louise (and Arvid) Tessing
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Brenda Kimble
June 11, 2025
I have worked for the family for 30 years. Tom often told me there's never a day that he didn't want to go to the restaurant to work.He loved talking and aggravating the customers table to table he would make his rounds.He was a great boss and friend. I will miss him and remember all the fun we had.So rest my buddy I will see you again
Carolyn Coleman Jones
June 7, 2025
What a great man! The epitome of a pillar in a small town. He was good friends with my Dad and the would often do favors for each other and for others in the town.
When I would come home to visit we ALWAYS. Went to Ann & Tony´s and Tom would greet us as we walked in and just the sound of his voice made me would bring tears to my eyes. We were home. He had a gift of making everyone feel so special .
It was a joy having him come to our table and talk and share stories.
After my Dad´s funeral (which I remember very little about) Tom had reserved a special section for our family to share a meal and try to celebrate Dad´s life. It was a large group - immediate family, grand kids, Aunts and uncles and cousins. At the end of the meal Tom personally came to our table to share his condolences and his feelings for my Dad. Then he said this meal was all on him because Bob had always been there for him. What an incredible act of kindness
I will always remember him and I hope he knew how much he was loved and respected.
In loving memory,
Carolyn Coleman Jones
Kelli Grace
June 7, 2025
Sometimes in life,people are destined to become family, even when it´s not planned. My brother became best friends with Joe Pearson. Then my daughter married Jevon and my other daughter married John. Tom and Judy and Fred and I shared grandchildren. When Shannon went to work for Tom, she told me that he was the smarted man she ever known. She later grew to love him so much, but who didn´t love Tom. A great man that will be missed.
Kelli and Fred Grace
June 7, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Frances Veach
June 7, 2025
It was a honor to me to work for Tom and Judy. The restaurant Ann & Tony Buscemi started continues to be so much more than a restaurant. People come to celebrate milestones, victories, rights of passage, alumni's or a group of cousins who still meet at the holidays 40 years later because grandma and grandpa started the gathering as a tradition.
The number one lesson I learned from Tom was a party of One was the most important. When a patron came in and said "It´s just one." Tom would say that was plenty. He wanted them to have a great meal in his restaurant with a community around them.To connect with friends or meet new ones. We never knew what they were battling that day. Trouble at work, a struggle with health issues or a loved one who had recently passed. He then would say let´s sit you at the end of the bar and save the good seats for the VIP. Haha,He had a way making others feel like it´s gonna be all right and a sense of normalcy during the ups and downs in life. Love and prayers to all the family.
Godspeed Tom!
Barbara Wiese
June 6, 2025
MY husband, Joe,and I came to West Jeff in the 60´s when Joe opened his dental practice. Dining at Ann and Tony´s was a regular treat. In the 90´s, Tom was in the office and invited our staff to the restaurant for a trial lunch. For a week, we came to the restaurant to try proposed lunch items. It was the start of being open for lunch as well as dinner. We were honored to have this experience, and of course frequented the restaurant regularly for lunch after its opening. It isn´t often that one can say they have been dining at a restaurant for over 50 years. Tom´s smile and wonderful,personality will be missed but always remembered. The traditions he established are in good hands and will continue in his memory.
Brenda & Keith Knore
June 6, 2025
Wonderful memories of Tom and the entire Buscemi family. Having taught in West Jefferson during the 70 's and 80's, the restaurant was my go-to stop for late evening meetings. Tom was always so friendly and gracious to all of his customers. His light will forever continue to shine.
Brenda & Keith Knore
Lynn and Joe Lanier
June 5, 2025
Our deepest condolences to Judy and the family. Tom was one in a million. We regularly fly in from Georgia to visit family. While there, we would stock up on sauce, freeze it, ship it back in checked luggage and it would last for months - till the next visit. But, the high point was always visiting with Tom/ what an incredible man on God´s green earth. Heaven has gained one of the kindest men ever. We will miss Tom immensely but the wonderful memories will last forever. Until we meet again.
Chuck Baxter
June 5, 2025
Tom was a kind and compassionate individual. He was always ready to provide a suitable venue for our family to assemble at short notice. You will be greatly missed.
Edward E Hueckel
June 5, 2025
What a great family. You've all meant so much!
Ed Hueckel
Linda Wheatley
June 5, 2025
A truly genuine person who will be missed.
Donna Nicholas
June 5, 2025
My favorite restaurant. Your work is done Tom, rest.
Chrissy Pavlick
June 5, 2025
I´ve been going since I was a little girl. My grandparents loved Tom so much. He would always come and talk. Such a magnificent man that will be missed!
Marvin & Katharine Snyder
June 5, 2025
Our family enjoyed over the years eating at Ann& Tony´s. Tom would always talk to us when he saw us. Very much appreciated him and his kindness. He certainly will be missed.
Marvin and Katharine Snyder Family
Penny Dorgan & Beau and Mary
June 4, 2025
Tom was such a kind and gentle spirit. We knew him and all his family through our mutual involvement in the church community as well as our many visits to the restaurant when we lived in West Jefferson, and when we returned for visits...visits which always included a stop at Ann & Tony´s. Our hearts go out to Judy and all the family. How very blessed you were to be loved by Tom and to be so special in his life.
D. Audia Felzien
June 4, 2025
Tom truly was the ultimate host. He remembered customer names and relationships. His easy going manner was his trademark. We loved the food and ambiance. And I am especially happy I got to know Tom as family guy outside of the restaurant business. Much sympathy and love!
Debbie Honeyman
June 4, 2025
Back in the 50´s and 60´s, my parents would take me to AnnTon´s in Worthington. If this was the original restaurant, I remember Thomas´s parents fondly. Believe their "kids" were working there at one point. Such great memories of the restaurant and the family. What a wonderful tribute to name your restaurant after your parents. Debbie Larson-Honeyman, Pickerington
jack Dozier
June 4, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this.Thom was always a joy to be around,My late mom and I went in most every Sunday and it was always a great experience.He always had a kind word and of course a funny story.my condolences to Judy and his entire family.
Sharon Slavik
June 4, 2025
Spending many of my adult years in West Jefferson, I entered Ann & Tony's many times. Tom loved a good act of mischief. I always remember the night I ordered Eggplant Parmesan and he cut an eggplant out of cardboard and even breaded and fried it!! The I went to cut it, I could not and I looked up to see Tom looking around the corner just laughing! He also became part of our family when his daughter, Lisa, married my son Chad. He will be missed... He was one in a million.. Our circle gets smaller..
Teresa Horstman
June 4, 2025
Len and I will remember Tom as a true Christian. Someone who never knew a stranger because all who entered was his friend. All you had to do was mention a soul in need and Tom was there, wholeheartedly. He was a force for good, and such a good person. We were proud to call him "friend." Rest easy, good and faithful servant. We love you.
Kelly Hicks
June 4, 2025
Absolutely love Ann&Tony's. The food is great but Tom was wonderful! Looked forward to going when he could sneak out of the kitchen and visit with the customers that he always treated like family. Many years later, upon my retirement, I was delighted to discover that Ann&Tony's was an annual venue for the Madison County Retired Teachers. He always welcomed our association for our luncheon meetings opening the restaurant to cook a lovely meal just for us and, of course, entertaining us as well! I have no doubt he is feeding and entertaining in the life beyond. Prayers for the family.
Kay Massman Helman
June 4, 2025
My sincere condolences to Tom´s family. He was a great man!! When Mike Chakeres first introduced me to Tommy as his daughter in April, 2008, Tommy welcomed me with open arms. I was adopted at birth, but my birth mother was Mike´s beloved wife, Billie Chakeres.
Mike, my husband, Larry and I shared our first meal together at Ann and Tony´s. We enjoyed so many wonderful meals at Ann and Tony´s .... Always greeted by a warm smile and a story.
Kay Massman Helman
Terry Ward
June 4, 2025
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss, and the loss to our entire community.
Terry Ward
Chief of Police (ret)
Barbara Woods
June 4, 2025
Sorry to see him go. My parents would take the family out to dinner and we would end up at Ann and Tony´s. It was my parents Robert and Sonya Chafin´s favorite place to go. Not only was it the good food that drew us there but the atmosphere plus Tom and his father would come out and talk with us. It was a lot of fun. My parents went once a week up ti they passed. Tom would always have their favorite wine ready
He will be missed.
Barbara Chafin Woods
Roberta byerly
June 4, 2025
This gracious and loving man will be missed by many. Prayers and love sent up for his family.
Dina Young
June 4, 2025
Tom taught my Papa, Dino, how to make meatballs (the proper way), my Papa taught me, and I taught my kids. Tom was a saint! Having the patience to put up with my dad is a miracle. Keep rolling those meat-a-balls in heaven guys!
Cathy Wood
June 4, 2025
Came to WJ in 2005. Tom was always ready with a smile and something humorous. My husband & I enjoyed our time spent talking with him. So many wonderful memories. Also from my friends, " The Second Wednesday Girls", who enjoyed many great meals & times there. Prayers for family & staff, who are like family. Everyone there always treated us like family. Sincere condolences from Cathy & Tony Wood & "The Second Wednesday Girls"
Robin Rohrer
June 4, 2025
RIP, Tom. Hugs and blessings to his wonderful family! I had the honor of dining at Ann & Tony's going way back to the 60's and I had the pleasure of teaching Tony & Lisa in MS. I feel blessed to have known this family!
John Crowley
June 4, 2025
God Bless Tom and the family. He will sure be missed.
John & Mickey Crowley
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1355 W. Main St. PO Box 22, West Jefferson, OH 43162
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