John I. Busta

John I. Busta, 89, of Methuen passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence. He was born in Methuen and was the son of the late Louis and Agnes Busta.

Raised in Methuen, John attended Methuen Public School systems. He enlisted in the Army during the Korean War and he was honorably discharged. John married the love of his life Theresa on May 20, 1955 and together they settled in Methuen where they would eventually raise their family.

John’s hobbies included being a handyman, going to the beach, most especially Salisbury Beach, playing Keno, scratching tickets, and being surrounded by his loved ones. Family is the one word that truly encompasses John. He was a loving and devoted husband. He and his wife, Theresa, were true soul mates and best friends. John was also a wonderful father. Leading by example, he taught his children about love, kindness, and respect by never speaking an unkind word about others.

John will be remembered as one of the good guys – a humble man, a family man, a kind and brave man, never forgetful of his roots. He enjoyed living a simple life, but anyone who sat in his presence would tell you that there was always a life lesson to be learned there. It is through those lessons and tremendous love that John’s memory will live on in those who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Walter, Frank, Martin, Anna, Stella, Mary and Sophie.

John is survived by his loving wife, Theresa (Rizzotti) Busta of Methuen; adored five children, Gloria J. Dussault and her husband, Phil of Methuen, John L. Busta of Methuen, Donna M. Westphalen and her husband, Olaf of Plaistow, NH, Sharon M. Martino and her husband, Paul of Methuen, and David Busta and his wife, Tracy of Methuen; and his brother, Thomas Busta and his wife, Grace of Andover; ten cherished grandchildren, John Gelinas and his wife, Stacy, Jennifer Boudrow and her husband, Jay, Melissa Dussault, Paul Gelinas and his wife, Melissa, Jessica Busta, Mark Dussault, Frankie Cloyd, Michael Martino, Cameron Busta and his wife, Abby, and Kaitlyn Busta. He also leaves behind sixteen great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Friday, January 24, 2020 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 25, 2020 in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Wounded Warrior Project via www.woundedwarriorproject.org.