Salvatore Busichio Obituary

Fr Sal you will be sadly missed by all.

Respectfully, Peters Family
Raleigh, NC

Rest in peace Father Busichio. I served my first Mass with you -- at 6:30 AM, of course. I graduated OLP in 1964 with many wonderful memories of you and your larger than life personality. We were blessed to have you and you are now in the arms of the Lord that you served so well.

Our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved brother Sal.
Remembering him fondly, with his wonderful, deep laugh he always bought to many of our family parties.
He is now in peace; in the Good Lord's arms.

The great Fr. Gerard Kelly came to Our Lady of Peace in 1964 from St. Aloysius in Jersey, where my parents worshiped before they moved to New Providence in 1956. Fr. Kelly was a pastor among pastors, and built one of the first, and still most beautiful, post-Vatican II churches you will see anywhere. He died too young of cancer, early Christmas morning, 1974. And this was announced to Christmas morning masses by Fr. Busichio, who simply told us that Fr. Kelly wanted to live to see Christmas.

It was one among countless memorable homilies, sometimes scriptural, sometimes theological, but most often topical and current, that OLP parishioners heard in his many years with us. Two stand out, both also dealing with death. The first, November 24, 1963, mincing no words in describing what it meant to the nation that its young, Catholic President had been assassinated the previous Friday. The second was in March 1975, upon the suicide death of a brilliant but troubled junior at New Providence High School, whose property abutted that of OLP. Virtually the entire student body made the short walk to the funeral Mass. Prophetically antipcating the Church's more pastoral approach to such tragedies, Fr. B. assured us of hope for our friend's ultimate salvation with these simple words: "He has lived his Hell on this Earth." For those who had misunderstood this young man, it was equal parts assurance and admonition -- in true Fr. Busichio style.

As others have noted, Fr. Busichio was not a "rectory priest." He was a fixture in New Providence at large, a friend particularly of the young, and a man whose pronounced opinions helped guide us through some very turbulent years in this country. I am delighted that Catholics in the Diocese of Raleigh came to know and love him as we did in the Garden State, and we join in your sadness and condolences. May he truly rest in peace.

Our deepest sympathy to the Busichio family. We have a very special memory of Reverend Sal attending my parents 40th anniversary party. He renewed Henry & Florence Bachofen's vows and made it very special for them. Reverend Sal was also Henry's cousin from N.J.
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. I hope the words at 1 Corinthians 15:26 helps you and your family during this difficult time.

Father Sal used to come into the bank in New Providence where I had been working, bringing the receipts from Sundays collection Shorts, tee shirt was his attire. Always reminded me of Humphrey Bogert-gruff. Always a joke to put a smile on our faces. Enjoyed his Sunday sermons-you could make no mistake you heard HIM. Voice carried over the church without a microphone. Missed him when he left-but have remembered him all these years. Sympathy to family and friends-He was a peoples priest-street wise and well giving of advise. God Bless
Sandi La Chance-Owen (was Slingerland) Ormond Beach Fl

Father Sal and I grew up together in Elizabeth, and as kids will do, we congragated to pay basketball at School #12, and Sal was always the leveling influence whernever a scuffle broke out. He became known as "Father Sal" as a kid, and became a wonderful, caring Priest who served his people and God his entire life. Rest in peace dear friend!! Andrea and Vic Richel, New Jersey

As the days and weeks pass and you return to life's daily routine may the love and support of family and friends continue to comfort you. I am sorry for your loss.

Dear Father Busichio,
Our deepest sympathy to your family. I remember you handing out report cards to my 8th grade Our Lady of Peace class in New Providence in 1962. It was always a very dreaded day for many of us, but you somehow made it tolerable. You also married my husband Lloyd and I on June 29, 1974. He is still the love of my life.
Thank you, Father B. Rest in peace.

We loved Father Busichio. He was a dynamic presence with a great sense of humor. We enjoyed his sermons as children.
We also compared Father Busichio stories to see which one was the funniest, with 5 kids there were many tales. He was a comfort to our mother in tough times. We will remember him fondly.
Rest in peace Father. Our Lady of Peace had the best!

Father Busichio, I have always considered you to be a gift to the parish family of Our Lady of Peace in New Providence, NJ. Rest in peace.

Father Sal, you will be missed, until we see you in heaven. Always inspired by your perspective and great sense of humor and logic.

Matt and Chris Young

Father Sal will always be one my most respected Pastors as well as a friend. A sad loss, but I am sure that on Wednesday morning he was with Father Jim Dull full of life and sharing stories! Rest In Peace and enjoy your well deserved eternal life with Our Lord And Savior, Jesus Christ!

Father B. was a huge part of my high school years. I loved his sermons and his participation with the youth of Our Lady of Peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Rest in peace Father B. I have fond memories of you laughing and talking with all of us as kids, on and off the playground at OLP. You were truly a good part of our lives.

Father B, May you rest in peace! We will miss your annual Christmas Card and notes. You married my husband John and I July 22, 1972 in Our Lady of Peace Church in New Providence. You were always kind to my family, when they needed it most and I'll always remember your smiling face! God Bless You and bring peace to your family!

From the Selzer family of New Providence, we loved you and were heart broken when you left. NP loss was NC gain. You called it as you saw it. - Louis Selzer III (Skip)

Rest in peace Father. You married my husband Bob and I October 12th 1974 at Our Lady of Peace in New Providence NJ. We always loved your Mass . Not only was the homely inspirational but you said the Fastest Mass in town. WHEN you see my Bob in heaven tell him hello from me. You will be missed by our family and countless others. Love Colleen Conway Conway.