RUMFORD – Mr. Joseph A. Buccina, 99, passed peacefully at Rumford Hospital on Oct. 23, 2021. Joe was born in Mexico, Maine on August 15, 1922 and was the oldest son born to Bruno and Rose (Sammarco) Buccina.

Joe graduated from Mexico High School class of 1940 and was a five-letter athlete for the Pintos. After graduation Joe began working for the Oxford Paper Company until being inducted into the Army. In 1942 he became a master Sargent in the 365th Anti-Aircraft Battalion in the South Pacific. Although injured and treated in Auckland, New Zealand, Joe returned to active duty. He was honorably discharged in l946. He then returned home and resumed working for Oxford Paper, the Ethyl Corp., and Boise Cascade, retiring in December of 1984 after 44 years of service. While working in the paper industry, Joe worked his way up through the ranks, as a Foreman, a day Supervisor, and a General Superintendent of the Fine Paper Division. After retiring from the Rumford Mill, Joe began working for the JWI Group, a paper machine clothing company as a Technical Service Representative Consultant. This is where he got the nickname “Papa Joe” from all the fellows he became long lasting friends with. He continued working with JWI until retiring in 2000 which concluded a span of almost sixty years in the paper industry.

Joe loved the big band era of music and dancing for many years, always loved planting and working in his garden, and taking care of his flowers, shrubs, and lawn around his home.

Joe’s main love was his family, being there for his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his children, son Gregory (Jaqueline) of Rumford, Scot (Nancy) of Hobe Sound, Fla., and daughter Kory of Bangor. He is also survived by grandchildren, Brian of So. Charleston, R.I., Eliza, Joey, Andrew, and Brianna; as well as great- grandchildren, Colton, Ryan, Samuel, and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his sister Annie Tripp of Scarborough. Additionally, Joe is survived and loved all his nieces and nephews on both the Buccina and Saisi side of the family.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; his wife Olga, whom together they shared 70 years of marriage until she passed in 2017, a brother James Buccina, sisters, Mary Sullivan, Jennie Curato, Rose McInnis, Elizabeth Melanson and Nancy Martin.

The family would like to thank Sandra Levertu for without her, Dad would not have been able to spend his life at home after Olga’s passing. Also thank you to the nurses and doctors at Rumford Hospital who made Joe’s final day comfortable.

Friends and Family are invited to sign the online guest and share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com

Funeral services will be held in the spring. Interment will be in St John Cemetery in Rumford.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home 3 Franklin St Rumford, ME

Those who desire may contribute to:

Rumford Hospital

420 Franklin St.

Rumford, ME

in his memory

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