Obituary of Gaetano "Buster" Assetta Jr.

Gaetano “Buster” Assetta Jr., passed away surrounded by his family on August 29, at the age of 76. Son of Theresa and Gaetano Sr., and raised in Medford. Buster hung out with a great group of friends since grade school, who over the years became family. After graduating from high school, Buster served in the US Army. Following his service, he returned to the Boston area. In their 20s Buster met Wilma “Willie” Hewel, who came to a party with one of her friends from nursing school, By that time next year, they were married. Buster and Willie welcomed their two children Gina and Gaetano III “Little Guy” to the family.

Buster and Willie lived in Medford after getting married, raised their children in Wakefield, then downsized to a ranch in Burlington. Gaetano worked installing computers for Saddlebrook until 1982 when a workplace accident left him disabled. Health issues cropped up but he overcame it with his attitude, joy for life, and sense of humor.

Buster lived life to the fullest. He was always outgoing and social, a true artist in the gift of gab. His house was always the gathering place, from poker with the guys to any other event that came up, especially the Legendary Christmas Eve Open House parties. He truly deserved his other nickname of “Guy Smily”.

Gaetano was the loving husband of Wilma Assetta of Burlington. He was the loving father of Gina Ramondetta and her husband John of Dennis, MA, and Gaetano Assetta III and his wife Michelle of Woburn. He was the proud grandfather of Sean Costello of New Britain, CT, Tucker Costello of Agawam, and Jeffrey, Kaitlyn, and Angelina Assetta of Woburn. He was the caring brother of Justine and Jim Colleran, of Wakefield, MA, and Nicholas and Nancy Assetta, of Florida, Laurie (past) and Lenny Lanzarotto, of Florida, and his past brother Robert. He was the favorite uncle of many nieces and nephews. Gaetano was best friends with Pete, Frankie, Joe, Tom, Ronnie, and his past friends Bill, Kenny, Bob, and Butch.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 4, from 3 to 6 PM at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA. A graveside service for Gaetano will be held at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, 54 Bedford Street, Burlington, MA on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity in Guy’s name. For online guestbook, tribute video, and service details, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net