Michael Buscarino

Mike was very family focused – a blessing he passed down to each of his children, who in turn are passing that along to their children. For the last 33 years, his oldest son has claimed Acts 16:31 for the entire Buscarino family which says “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” Before Mike passed, his youngest daughter was privileged to hear him affirm his trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior; therefore, his passing is truly a celebration of life rather than a funeral since we know from the Bible that he is in the presence of the Lord and with our mother in paradise.

Mike was born August 6, 1921, in Hastings, Colorado, the youngest of six siblings, to Vincenzo and Mary (Fego) Buscarino. He moved to Los Angeles with his parents, sister, and brothers around 1937, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1940. Mike began his career with the Bank of America as a teller - after his military leave of absence, he worked another 40 years as an accounts receivable auditor. He served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II (1942-1946) in the Pacific theatre.

Mike married Erie Johnson on November 21, 1948, in Los Angeles, California. He purchased his first home in Pico Rivera, California, in 1950, where he lived for 20 years. Between 1950 and 1963, Mike fathered 4 children with Erie: Mike, Joyce (Riffel), Judy (Rantzow), and Chris. Beginning in the mid 60’s, he worked Saturdays with the race track (Pari-Mutual Employee Guild) for the next 30 years to supplement his income in order to provide for his family. In 1971, Mike moved his family from Pico Rivera to Whittier, California. He retired from the Bank of America in 1981, and later from the race track around 1996. Mike celebrated his 50th anniversary with his wife Erie in November, 1998, just 3 months before her passing in February, 1999.

Mike remained a widower living alone from 1999 until shortly before his passing in 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents Vincenzo and Mary, his sister Josie (Borunda), and his brothers Chris, Joe, Charlie, Frank, and Don. Mike is survived by:

Four children: Mike and wife Jan Buscarino, Joyce and husband Tom Riffel, Judy and husband Rob Rantzow, Chris and wife Lisa Buscarino.

Nine grandchildren: Jim and wife Lynn Russell, Lance and wife Evie Gardner, Gerad and wife Michelle Nucci, Brian and wife Monica Riffel, David and wife Linda Buscarino, Jamie and husband Chuck Brannan, Nicole Rantzow, Jennifer Rantzow, Scott Buscarino.

Twelve great grandchildren.

After retirement, Mike walked 1 to 2 miles faithfully every day. He enjoyed social gatherings with family, former coworkers, and other groups (Sons of Italy, Colorado Reunion, etc.). Mike volunteered ushering and counting money at Saint Hilary Church (Pico Rivera) and later at Saint Bruno Church (Whittier). He enjoyed domestic yard work and home improvements (painting). Mike was an avid California Angel fan and daily watched baseball on television. He made a trip to Italy in 2000 where he was able to see his parent’s homeland. Mike also enjoyed vacation travel with family to Oregon, Washington, Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, the Bahama’s, and Lake Tahoe/Reno. He also enjoyed his McDonald’s hamburger every Saturday night after church, fish fry’s at Saint Bruno’s, and occasionally dining at Lascari’s.

Typical of a Great Depression survivor, and reflective of his auditor background, Mike was a good steward over the financial resources entrusted to him. He valued a Christian education evidenced by putting all of his children through Catholic schools which meant working a second job. Mike also encouraged his children and grandchildren to attend college. Mike was very family focused – being ever content to have all of his children together. After losing his wife in 1999, his frequent telephone calls to close family was the glue that held the family together. He was generous - giving to his church, a number of charities and non-profit organizations. Mike was outspoken and bold about his convictions. His Catholic faith was very important to him as demonstrated by his faithful attendance and service to his church.