LEETONIA, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – John Albert Buffone, Sr., age 90 of Leetonia, died on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, Boardman.

He was born on December 8, 1932, in Steubenville, Ohio, a son of the late Albert and Carolina Arcurri Buffone.

When John was three years old, he returned to Italy with his family. Because of WWII, he was unable to return to the United States until he was 17 years old. While in Italy, he was sent to live on a farm to take care of his aunts and obtained work as a barber to help support the family. 

After returning to America, John made his career working for the railroad as a trackman before retiring in 1981 after 30 years. 

John enjoyed gardening but mostly he will be remembered as a man who enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Donna S. Brooks Buffone, whom he married on May 17, 1962; three sons, John (Nicole) Buffone, Jr., Stephen L. (Christine) Buffone and Tony (Lisa) Buffone, all of Leetonia; daughter, Carla (John) Theil of Columbiana; 11 grandchildren, Shane (Sierra), Cierra, Nakoa (Jessica), Anna, Joby, JT, Jacob, Kendall, Nicole (Caleb), Kaitlyn and Michael; four great-grandchildren, Heath, Aaliyah, Jayden and Nikole, as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by a son, Mark Buffone; brother, Frank Buffone and a sister, Concetta Immaculata Carfora.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 8, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia where services will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating.

Family and friends may send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.

A television tribute will air Sunday, May 7, at the following approximate times: 6:27 p.m. on WYTV and 6:58 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.