Obituary of Christopher Buscemi

Christopher M. Buscemi, a young man devoted to those he loved, passed away tragically Saturday morning in an automobile accident. He was just 21 years old. Christopher was born in Winchester and was a lifelong resident of Billerica. He was a 2011 graduate of Billerica High School. He worked at Margaritas in Lexington as a waiter for the past year. He loved servicing his many patrons and had a great and fun connection with his many coworkers. Margaritas was not just a job, it was an extension of his family. Christopher had a wide variety of interests and activities outside of work. He was an avid fresh water fisherman and enjoyed both the solitude of fishing as well as the camaraderie of fishing with his Dad and many friends. He also enjoyed hiking, BMX riding, dirt biking, and basketball. Walden Pond in Concord was a special place for Christopher. He enjoyed it’s tranquility, fishing, and beauty. Only weeks ago, he spent the afternoon at Walden with his girlfriend Meagan enjoying the day and having a picnic. Christopher had a strong connection with all his family and friends. His passing leaves a tragic void in the hearts of all those he touched over his lifetime. He will be remembered not for how he passed, but how he lived his life filled love and kindness. Christopher was the loving son of Mark and Patricia (Stryke) Buscemi of Billerica. He was the loving brother of Kayleen of Billerica. Christopher was the caring grandson of Jane & Anthony Buscemi of Burlington and the late Kathleen and Arthur Stryke. He was the loving boyfriend of Meagan Dunleavy of Billerica. He was the God Son of William Stryke and Nancy Hummel. He was the nephew of Kevin Stryke of Acton, Lynda Connolly of Brant Rock, William & Ruthie Stryke of Burlington, Theresa & Jim Fritscher of Billerica, Michael & Celeste Buscemi of Arlington, Carol & Craig Noyes of Tewksbury, and Nancy & Doug Hummell of Memphis, TN. Christopher was the treasured cousin of Jessica & Eddie Fritscher, Katelyn Pacini, Chris Noyes, Sara, Michelle, & Anthony Buscemi, and Emily and Sydney Hummel. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Thursday, September 26 at 8:45 a.m. Followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Christopher’s name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or www.diabetes.org. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net or www.saint-malachy.org CHRISTOPHER’S EULOGY SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 By Eileen Christopher’s parents, Mark and Trisha, and his sister Kayleen, thank you all for being here. Your kindness in honoring their son and brother is so gratefully welcomed and appreciated. His grandparents, Tony and JANE Buscemi, his girlfriend Meghan, and his large family of cousins, aunts and uncles all extend their thanks to you. Your presence is needed today. We also invoke the memory of his beloved “Pa and Nana” Arthur and Kathleen Stryke, who predeceased Christopher by only a few years. Christopher’s mother, father and sister have, and continue to be a family of strong values …with respect for one another, for kindness, and genuine caring. As children, Christopher and Kayleen were inseparable. Their fondness was evident in their holding of hands, protecting one another, sharing without hesitation, happy in their warm world of parental love and safety. I frequently recall the memory of being in a motor boat with them and their father. Like all children, their excitement prompted an urge to roam from bow to stern or lean over the edge. Mark firmly but kindly insisted they be seated. When asked why, they were told : ”it’s my job to watch over you.” Said with such caring and understanding Christopher and Kayleen relaxed, sat quietly, and enjoyed the boat ride. Christopher himself came to embody similar, gentle and caring attributes. No mother could have been more loving to her son than Tricia. Your love has been, and continues to be, unconditional, beyond words, and unending. May you, Mark and Kayleen find a path which transforms your grief to honoring him in a manner that will ease your pain. Christopher is admired for his openness: his Godfather, Billy remembers how, as a young boy, he approached a new group of children while vacationing at a Maine lake. “Hi, my name is Christopher, what are you playing? Can I play with you?” Of course his charm and friendliness welcomed him into the group. Billy and the family were pleasantly surprised when, just recently, he and Meghan unexpectedly joined them at a family cookout. Aunt Terry (aka Aunty TeTe) remembers his childhood love of trucks and a particular photo opt. With hands on his hips, Christopher, inside a large yellow front loader, stood like an admired construction worker: proud and strong. Aunt Lynda loved him greatly. She is so pleased and proud he would arrive to join her and her loving friends year after year, after year, at the Fourth of July celebrations at Brant Rock. Overwhelmed with wonderful memories ….a schooner vacation together, a trip to Holland to visit cousins Bert and Helma, their snorkeling adventures…. so many good times, Uncle Kevin states simply: “I’m grateful he has been in my life.” His Uncle Michael and Aunts Carol and Godmother Nancy, have their individual memories and stories to share about this fine young man. I asked several family and friends about who Christopher was in their eyes, and there were consistently words like: respectful, smart, warm, funny, with a beautiful smile, caring and generous with his thoughts and emotions, and very approachable. He had big hugs! And he always wanted “to make the people around him happy.” I can’t close today without recognizing the exceptional contribution to Mark, Tricia and Kayleen’s welfare ….not only over the last few days, but for years….made by their friends Lisa and Darrah. They have been extraordinarily generous with their entire beings, and all the family thanks them from the very bottom of our hearts. Christopher, we love you. God Bless you and all those who have and will continue to love you.