Joseph Anthony Del Buono, a devoted husband, loving father, proud veteran, and dedicated

public servant, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 5, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 12, 1931, the year the Empire State Building opened its

doors, Joe was one of six children ( Lena, Olga, Robert, Joseph, Eugene, and Mary) born to

Aretino and Maria Del Buono, who had immigrated from Italy in the early 1920s. Joe was

preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings. He was also preceded in death by his

beloved wife, Antoinette “Annette” Del Buono, his lifelong partner of 64 years, who passed

on July 28, 2024.

Joe was raised on 61st Street in Brooklyn, NY. He went to Public School #226 that was

across the street from his home until, at the urging of his sister Lena, Joe’s parents enrolled

him and his siblings in the nearest Catholic School. Joe was known in his youth as an

accomplished fast-pitch softball pitcher and for his strong work ethic. He pursued

education in drafting, design, and civil engineering, which shaped the course of his

professional life.

Joe proudly served his country with honor as a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean

War from 1951 to 1952, stationed in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Joe spoke often of his

favorite daily duty of traveling to town to pick up the mail and deliver it with pride to his

fellow soldiers. A cherished military leave led him to Sant'Agata di Puglia, Italy, his father's

hometown. There, he connected with ancestral roots in a hilltop fortress or castle like

home that continues to stand for over a century, owned by his family from 1860 to 2000.

From 1956 until his retirement in 1987, Joe dedicated 31 years to the Brooklyn Transit

Authority as an Assistant Civil Engineer. He worked on countless drafting and design

projects with precision and care, producing detailed plans entirely by hand in the era before

computer-aided design. His commitment to his craft reflected his unwavering sense of

responsibility and quiet excellence.

Joe married the love of his life, Annette, on May 14, 1960. In 1967, they moved to Matawan,

New Jersey, where they raised their four children (Joseph, Anthony, Angela, and Vincent).

Joe endured a demanding hour-and-a-half commute each way to Brooklyn until retirement.

He further exemplified his selflessness by taking on evening and weekend drafting work in

Manhattan for a retired Army Colonel, including projects for New York and Boston

municipalities. This unwavering commitment enabled Annette to devote herself to their

family, while together they nurtured strong Catholic values. They prioritized faith, family,

education, and integrity, and together they ensured all four children attended Catholic

grammar, middle, and high schools through shared sacrifices.

After retiring in 1988, Joe and Annette spent more than 35 years enjoying life in Florida,

residing in Spring Hill, Boynton Beach, Ocala, and most recently the Miramar and

Pembroke Pines area. Their retirement years were centered on faith, close friendships,

family gatherings, and gratitude for the life they shared.

Joe remains etched in memory as a man of quiet strength and steadfast character, whose

life embodied unwavering principles of faith, family, integrity, and goodwill, leaving a legacy

of selfless devotion that continues to illuminate the path for those who follow.

Joe is survived by his devoted children: Joseph Del Buono and his wife Catherine, Anthony

Del Buono and his wife Pia, Angela Guertin and her husband Richard, and Vincent Del

Buono and his partner Angela Garner; his cherished grandchildren: Breanna Del Buono,

Joseph Del Buono, Anthony Del Buono, Giuliana Del Buono, Joseph Guertin and his wife

Alyssa, Michael Guertin and his wife Angela, and Richard Guertin and his fiancée Diana; his

adored great-grandchildren: Alessio, Gianluca, and Luciano; and many nieces and

nephews whose lives he enriched.

His enduring spirit will continue to inspire generations, a timeless testament to a life

remarkably well-lived and a faith steadfastly rooted in his devotion to Jesus Christ, his Lord Savior.

Please join the family as Joseph lies in repose on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 9:00 A.M.

to 12:20 P.M. at Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel, 9000 Pines Blvd, Pembroke

Pines, Florida 33024. Funeral Mass also on Friday, December 19, 2025, 1:00 P.M. at St. John

XXII Catholic Church, 16800 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, Florida 33027. Please keep the Del

Buono family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel

is Honored to assist the Del Buono family with the arrangements.