Leonard "Lenny" Busha, Sr.

Leonard W. “Lenny” Busha, Sr., 81, of Worcester, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, June 17th 2024. Mr. Busha was a 20-year lung cancer survivor, whose health had been steadily declining in recent years.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Rose (Pozzi) Busha, with whom he would have celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary in October on Halloween; two sons, Leonard, Busha Jr. and his wife Pamela, Jeffrey Busha and his partner Jessica Bristol, a daughter, Christine (Busha) Mattero and her husband Vincent; six grandchildren, Jeffrey, Nicole, Sarah, William, Matthew and Kayla: Extended family members and friends.

Mr. Busha was born in Worcester, son of the late Florence (Auger) Riley and Edgar Busha. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade and was proud of his work as a highly skilled machinist for many years with companies such as Rex Chain, George J. Meyer Manufacturing Co., Westinghouse CGIT Laboratory, ABB and AZZ.

Mr. Busha was above all else a family man whose wife is “a great woman” and who relished the love of his children and grandchildren. He sincerely viewed their accomplishments more than his own as the legacy about which he was most proud. Lenny was the fun dad whom the neighborhood kids loved and who would often join the pickup basketball and street hockey games when you needed one more player. He enthusiastically attended family games and events, his heart hanging on every shot, pitch or swing of a bat. Lenny loved music and his stereo system often provided his family’s weekend wakeup call. He also loved his Boston sports teams, and especially the Red Sox, Ted Williams, and many family excursions to Fenway Park. Lenny was delighted when the Woosox came to town at Polar Park, and he enjoyed many games. As an avid NASCAR fan, Lenny collected model race cars and enjoyed attending NASCAR races in Loudon, NH. Family trips to Disney World, and visits with family in Florida and Tennessee were among his most cherished memories. Lenny also possesses the best hat and pin collection around.

His ever-present humility and the resilience he exhibited through a long bout of ill health were an example to his family. He disliked extravagance, but he took pride in a car and yard that were always maintained meticulously, and which reflected the care he also took in a job well done as a craftsman, husband, dad and papa.

Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours, Monday, July 8th from 3 pm to 5 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. followed by a prayer service at 5 pm. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester 01608.

The Busha family wishes to thank VNA Care of Worcester, for their excellent home health and hospice care and persistent responsiveness in support of the family. They also wish to thank Mr. and Mrs. Busha’s incredibly kind and supportive neighbors, including Ann and Lisa who often assisted with Mr. Busha’s care.