Michael Bussacco
OBITUARY
Michael Bussacco, 76, of Scranton, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 12, 2025, with his loving wife Bernadette at his side.
Born in Pittston and raised in Old Forge, Mike was the son of the late Archie and Romilda Tomassoni Bussacco. He was a 1967 graduate of Old Forge High School, a 1971 graduate of Bloomsburg University, and attended Indiana University of PA graduate school. He was an elementary teacher in the Scranton School District for 35 years. Mike helped to develop the Gifted Students Program in the district, which continues to this day.
Michael was a man of many talents and interests. He was an avid collector of unique items such as watches, pocket watches, pipes, fountain pens, Railroad memorabilia, and his cherished collection of Heritage Press Books. He authored five annotated bibliographies of Heritage Press publications. He not only collected such items, but researched and studied his many finds. He was a past member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary at Wallenpaupack, a longtime Wilkes-Barre Penguin hockey fan, and member of the Victor Alfieri Club. Mike was a parishioner of St. Ann’s Basilica Parish in Scranton.
Mike was a generous and kind man with an infectious smile. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Bernadette (Genova) Bussacco; sisters-in-law, Ruth Butcher and Judy Genova; nephews, Cosmo and Dante (Karen) Genova; aunts, Norma Semenza, Dolores Dee Tomassoni; an uncle, Eugene Butch Tomassoni; and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his beloved twin brother, Patrick Bussacco, in 2005; brothers-in-law, Paul Hill, Philip Genova Jr., and Bob Butcher; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Phil & Rose Genova; several aunts; uncles; and cousins.
The funeral will be Saturday with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM in St. Ann’s Basilica Parish, 1250 St. Ann St., Scranton. Those planning to attend are asked to proceed directly to the church. There will be no viewing or visitation prior. Interment will follow in Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst Twp.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Traditional Hospice, 113 West Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512. The family wishes to thank Traditional Hospice, Dr. Weinberger, Dr. Abraham, and staff at Allied Rehab Hospital for their compassionate care to Michael during his recent illness.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ferri & Gillette Funeral Services, LLC, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. To leave an online condolence visit the funeral home website or Facebook page.
Michael Bussacco
October 12, 2025