Father John Buga

Rev. Fr. John Buga, 87, of Port Richey, FL (formerly of Aurora, IL) died Sunday, February 24, 2013. He was born June 20, 1925 in Aurora, IL. An orphan at 13, Fr. John attended Marmion Academy, and later served his country in WWII in the Pacific Theatre as a Seabee. He was employed at Northern Illinois Gas Company for 36 years. Fr. John was ordained a priest by the Most Reverend John Michael Botean on June 13, 1999. He served the people of Byzantine Catholic Churches as a deacon and priest in Illinois and Florida. He also served at the Hesed House, as a chaplain at Provena Mercy Medical Center and the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Marquette Assembly in Aurora and Port Richey, FL. Fr. John’s life was centered on his Christian faith as a Byzantine Catholic priest and his family. He lived a rewarding, full life and persevered to the end. May his memory be eternal. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Violet; daughters, Nancy (Bryan) Fisher and Jenny (Tom) Bricco; sons, Mark, Edward (Jacqui), Peter and Paul (Leivi); twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Emma Buga; and brothers, Gabriel and Louis (Julia) who raised him. On Friday, March 1, 2013, the body of Fr. John will arrive at St. Michael Church at 2:00 PM; the first parts of the Services for the Burial of a Priest will be offered. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with a Wake Service at 6:30 PM, at St. Michael Roumanian Byzantine Catholic Church, 609 N. Lincoln Av, Aurora, IL. At 7:00 PM, the Services for the Burial of a Priest will continue. On Saturday, March 2, 2013, The Most Reverend Bishop John Michael Botean will preside at a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy at St. Michael Church at 9:00 AM. This will be followed by the remainder of the Services for the Burial of a Priest at 10:00 AM. Interment in St. Michael Cemetery will follow. Funeral arrangements are being handled by THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506. 630-631-5500. Please visit our new interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com to leave condolences for Fr. John’s family or sign the guest book. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Church.

Father John Buga

June 20, 1925 - February 24, 2013