Obituary of Joseph C. Budina

Joseph C. Budina, a Czech Republic immigrant with many successful careers, passed away at his home after a short illness on Thursday night, May 11, 2023. He was 89 years old. Joe was born in the Czech Republic in the small village of Oskorinek. He was the son of Joseph R. and Bozena Budina. He grew up on the family farm and lived through World War II under Nazi Germany's Occupation. During WWII, as a young boy, Joe saw military aircraft flying over his village in Czechoslovakia; this was the start of his lifelong passion for aviation and a love for the freedom of the blue sky. At the age of 17, his father was asked to leave Czechoslovakia, and Joe joined him on the journey to the United States.
 
Upon arrival, Joe enrolled in school to learn to read and write in English and embrace American values. He worked daytime as a machinist and at night as a taxi cab driver. His nighttime job paid for his flying lessons. By the age of 21, Joe not only became a pilot, he owned a plane, and he became a flight instructor.
Joe enlisted in the US Army and served from 1957-63. In the Army, Joe became a jump master with more than 100 parachute jumps performed during his military and later his civilian life.
Joe met his first wife, Mary Corcoran, and married in 1954. They settled into their home in Burlington, MA, in the mid-'60s, where they raised their three children, Joe, David, and Michelle.
 
Joe became an air traffic controller for the FAA and later retired.  
 
Joe and his first wife established "Sky Ads," a family-run aerial advertising business. It consisted of advertising with smoke writing, aerial night signs, and banner towing.
 
Joe was a man devoted to his family and community. He volunteered for the Scouts, where his sons became Eagle Scouts while he was the Scout Master for Troop 105 in Burlington.
 
Motivated by both of his sons being aircraft mechanics, Joe was in his early 60s when he became an A&P mechanic. He furthered his rating to become an FAA-certified aircraft inspector.
 
Joe sadly lost his wife Mary in 2001 to a battle with cancer. He was then blessed to find love and happiness again and married his current wife, Kathleen. They were married for 18 years. Joe and Kathleen were influential in the lives of their grandchildren. He was able to see his six grandchildren grow into young adults. He could share his life story, adventures, and experiences with them.  
 
Besides aviation, Joe had other hobbies. He enjoyed listening to and playing music. Joe skillfully played violin and clarinet. He enjoyed being outdoors, working around the yard, skiing, reading and watching the news, and discussing politics. He was a member of the local American Legion. And Joe especially loved his apple pie.
 
Joe was the beloved husband of Kathleen Budina and the late Mary Budina. He was the loving father of Joseph W. Budina of Londonderry, NH, David C. Budina of North Carolina, and Michelle Travers of Burlington. Joe was the brother of Vera Vancoura of Nevada, Eva Vovornik of the Czech Republic, Marie Hruby of Newton, and the late Hana Jarosova. He was the proud grandfather of Joseph D, Mikaela, Charlize, Adrionna, Nico Budina, Allison Travers, and his long-time friend and pilot Carl Kokernak. He also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews.
 
Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington, on Friday, May 19, from 10 - 11:30am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St., Burlington, at Noon. Services will conclude with a burial in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.

Memorials in Joe's name may be made to St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burington, MA 01803, www.stveronicama.org