Denise Lee Buscemi Perrego

Denise Buscemi Perrego passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and quiet excellence in all she pursued. She was the beloved wife of the late Michael Louis Perrego, and the cherished daughter of the late Peter Anthony Buscemi and Gertrude Lee Buscemi (née Greene). She was predeceased by her dear siblings, Carmelo Wesley Buscemi and Patricia LaRue Buscemi Arcilesi (née Buscemi).

Denise was a devoted and loving aunt to Patricia Lynne Franz and her husband, John; Paul Joseph Arcilesi and his wife, Michele; Peter Francis Arcilesi and his wife, Andrea; and Leah Patricia Whitworth and her husband, Ramsay. She is also lovingly remembered by her great nephew, John Christopher Franz and his wife Tonya, and her great nieces, Caroline Elyse Hoyt (née Franz) and her husband, Daniel, and Faith Rhodes as well as her great great-nieces,  Lily Franz, Hannah Franz, Charlotte Hoyt and Elyse Hoyt and great great-nephew, John Nigel Hoyt, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

A gifted and passionate music educator, Denise dedicated much of her life to teaching voice and piano to hundreds of students over more than five decades. Her guidance and encouragement helped many young musicians prepare for admission to prestigious music colleges and to succeed in competitive auditions. Many of her students have pursued careers teaching and performing. She took great pride in nurturing talent and instilling confidence in those she taught.

Denise also found great fulfillment in working with animals, particularly as an avid and accomplished dog trainer. Her beloved dog, Sunshine, whose loss she mourned deeply, earned countless titles in Obedience and Good Citizenship, and was very accomplished at scent work and retrieval. He earned numerous titles and ribbons, reflecting her patience, skill, and deep bond with her animals. Her most recent dog, Starlight, was currently being trained to follow in his “pawsteps.” She generously shared this passion, visiting nursing homes where Sunshine performed for and comforted the residents, and elementary schools where students developed their reading skills in his calming presence, under Denise’s tutelage.

Her love of animals extended to horseback riding, where she excelled in dressage competitions, demonstrating both discipline and grace.

In addition to her artistic and personal pursuits, Denise enjoyed a long and successful professional career as a data analyst serving as a naval contract administrator, where she was respected for her diligence, intelligence, and integrity.

Denise will be remembered for her kindness, dedication to helping others grow, fierce sense of right and wrong, and unwavering love for people and animals. Her presence enriched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will be treasured always.

A Celebration of Life for Denise will be held on Sunday, 26 April 2026 at 1:00pm at Salem United Methodist Church,7901 Bradshaw Road Upper Falls, Md. 21156.

The family sincerely appreciates the prayers, love, and support offered to them during this difficult time.