Obituaries
Obituary: Paul J. Buscemi
His life serves as a reminder of the power of service, the importance of love, and the joy found in everyday moments.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Paul J. Buscemi
Paul J. Buscemi, of Joliet, IL and formerly of Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Paul was born on January 31, 1933, the son of the late Salvatore and Carmella (nee Baio) Buscemi. Born and raised in Chicago, he was a graduate of Kelly High School.
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Paul proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, exemplifying dedication and honor. Following his service, he committed over 30 years of his life to protecting and serving the City of Chicago as a devoted officer with the Chicago Police Department. He retired in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and service. After retirement, he and his cherished wife, “Joann” first enjoyed the life of snowbirds before eventually settling in Las Vegas, where they spent 30 happy years together. Paul was known for his friendly nature and love of life, often enjoying time with friends and testing his luck at the craps table. Music and TV nights with Jo Ann were among his favorite pastimes.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Josephine “Joann” (nee Rodorigo) Buscemi; daughter, Debbie (Lawrence “Larry”) Nawrot; son, Loreto (Michele) Buscemi; grandchildren, Disa (Joe) Lesner, Anthony (Nicole) Buscemi, Larry (Ashley) Nawrot, Gianna (Anthony) D’astice, and Christopher (Gosia) Nawrot; his great-grandchildren, Eleni Buscemi, Noalani Buscemi, Miliana Buscemi, Halia Buscemi, Parker Nawrot, Isabella D’astice, and Luke Nawrot; his sister, Roseann Buscemi; and sister-in-law, Jeanette “Cookie” Scudieri. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
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He is preceded by his parents; brother, Jack Buscemi; and his in-laws, Loreto and Anna Rodorigo.
Funeral Service for Paul J. Buscemi will be held at 10:45 a.m., on Thursday, May 22, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. Visitation will be held at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
