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Joseph J. Bukowski

Joseph J. Bukowski, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 74 of natural causes. Joseph was born in the Philippines on September 4, 1948, while his father was serving in the U.S military overseas. He is the son of the late Joseph and Stella Bukowski.

Joseph graduated from St. Mary’s Boys High in 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he repaired radios for U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom jets. Following his honorable discharge, he acquired an Associate Degree Science and Repair of Electronics at North Shore Community College.

As documented in a Salem News article, Joseph dabbled in other pursuits, such as stage and film acting – which included stints as a bad guy in Hollywood where he also wrote screenplays. He appeared in many local theatre productions. Joseph was a life-long member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

Eventually he returned to old-fashioned electronics, opening his latest business, Salem HiFi located on Bridge Street in Salem. He boasted on his website, “I’ve been lucky to have the best customers around.” Customers found his business and Joe serviced many people from around New England. Most recently, a customer from western Massachusetts (3 hours from Salem) shared her last conversation with Joe, she asked when she could pick up her console. His answer was: “You’re the customer. You tell me when.” His business ethic was straightforward and honest.

Joseph lived an independent lifestyle, but always enjoyed time with family. He appreciated the simple things in life and lived on his own terms.  He was a “free spirit”!

He was the devoted brother of Ann Kelleher and her husband Michael of Charlestown, cherished uncle of Christa Kelleher and her husband Anthony Fernandez of Arlington and Michael Kelleher and his wife Christine Kang of Plymouth. He is the treasured granduncle to Michael William and Aubrey Joseph Kelleher, and Lucas David and Toby Louis Fernandez. He is also lovingly survived by many cousins.

To honor Joseph, please reach out to those you encounter with kindness and respect. As his website states, “the purpose of life…to be happy, and make others happy…Dalai Lama.”

We will miss Joseph or “Joe” but remember many treasured moments or conversations as he always had an inspirational quote, story or thought to share.

And, at this time of great need, please consider donating or volunteering at your local food pantry.

Immediate Services are private and a family gathering will be held in 2023.

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1 Message Send your condolences
  1. Mary Albano-Fiore
    Dec 3 2022

    May You find Love and Light on Your New Journey … Rest in Peace, Joe …

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To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.
On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.
Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.
Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.
Thank you for your friendship and continued support.
God bless you all.
Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.

To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.

On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.

Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.

Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.

Thank you for your friendship and continued support.

God bless you all.

Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.