Barbara was born in New York City to Dominic and Eleanor Buscaglia. Barbara was born in New York City to Dominic and Eleanor Buscaglia. After retiring from banking, one of her delights was to use her encyclopedic knowledge of Elvis Presley, drawing on it to assist ABC News Entertainment correspondent and brother-in-law Bill Diehl, who was in Memphis, covering Elvis Week Celebrations. Barbara provided invaluable background on the singer’s world. In retirement Barbara became a loving caregiver to her grandchildren, dedicating the rest of her life to them.
She is survived by her children: her daughters, Joanne Mackonochie (Michael) and Christine KinhackL (Jesse), and her son, Anthony Ocello. Barbara was also a beloved grandmother to her 6 grandchildren, who she was immensely proud of: Michelle King (Sebastian), Michael Mackonochie, James Mackonochie, Ella KinhackL, Sara KinhackL and Elizabeth Ocello.
Barbara is also survived by her siblings, Lorraine Diehl (Bill), Frank Buscaglia (Dana), and Raymond Buscaglia.
Barbara's life was marked by her love for her family and her close lifelong friends. A resident of Melville, New York, Barbara was a cherished member of her community. She will be deeply missed by her close friends and neighbors.
Visitation will be held at Beney Funeral Home, located at 79 Berry Hill Road, Syosset, NY, 11791. The visitation times are scheduled for October 16, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on October 17, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church, 205 Jackson Ave, Syosset, NY 11791, on October 18, 2025, from 9:45 am to 10:45 am.
Interment will follow at St. Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735, on October 18, 2025, at 11:45 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/
