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Martin Busca Obituary

Busca, Martin E. 1ac20100 age 41, cherished son of Edward and Jacqueline, loving brother of Victoria Busca, William, Judith (Christopher) Newhall and Andrew, dearest uncle of Samantha, William and Joseph Newhall. Visitation Friday, January 18th, 3 to 9 p.m. at the Palos- Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 S. Southwest Hwy. (7700W.), Palos Hills. Lying in state Saturday, January 19th, 9:30 a.m. until time of mass at 10 a.m., at Christ the King Church, 9235 S. Hamilton, Chicago. Marty will be remembered as an outstanding hockey player for Mt. Carmel's Championship teams of 1977- 78, member of "Second City's" offshoot comedy troupe, "Private Jokes", and as bassist and co- founder of the critically acclaimed band, "Spies Who Surf". A Memorial celebration will take place Sunday, January 20th, at the Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago, beginning at 6 p.m. Express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book at www.palosgaidasfh.com 708-974-4410. Sign Guest Book at suntimes.com

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 13, 2002.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?





Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Maggie

Friend

January 8, 2024

Hey Marty! Billy and I have been doing our best to honor our youthful summers in South Haven. You are sorely missed.

Leslie

Friend

January 7, 2022

Friend

December 23, 2018

Marty I will miss you til the day I die. We never spent much time together except in passing, but we had a permanent bond through music. You by playing, & me by dancing. I own a Bass now, formerly Bob Popp's who passed recently. I may never play it properly due to hand pain trying to reach for chords, but it isn't always about perfection it's about effort, & I hope this reaches you. You were always kind & funny & I looked up to you in my own way like people who aren't in bands but wish they were. It's funny but I bet in some ways you wish you could trade places with me because even though you obviously loved your role on the Bass, I bet you were a mite jealous of me going crazy dancing all over the place. Without your Bass lines it wouldn't have been the same. I play Djembe now & Didgeridoo too & also do pretty solid spoken word. In the next life let's get together & jam & then I'll cut loose on the dance floor like I always do. Here's to you in all your bands, to your mates, to your gals, to your family, to your pals, we will always keep a place in our hearts for you Marty <3 This is for the Bass all up in our face, making our legs go crazy when we should stay in place.... Here's to Marty the Mad Martian whose Bass lines are always charging.... Here's to the moments between the Bass lines.... Where things go silent & begin to unwind.... Here's to the Bass springing back into action..... Without Marty working his magic, I get no satisfaction.... Here's to the day when we are finally reunited..... The Universe will explode in happiness when that Bass is finally reignited <3 Rest in Power Marty

Matthew Churney

June 14, 2018

Maggie

August 11, 2017

Maggie

August 11, 2017

Honoring and Remembering Your Birthday On This Special Day. Your Gift of Music and Your Uncanny Way of Finding The Heart and Hearing It Speak. Rest in Peace Martin E. Busca. You Are So Missed. Maggie

Maggie

July 22, 2017

Hi Billy. Knew I'd find you out here. And when you are not out here you are carrying those memories in your heart, It is the way it is and the way it may always will be. So to you, Dear Friend, We wish you Christmas Love and New Year Peace and Happiness.

Maggie

January 1, 2017

Is any body out there?...I was just looking at the things you all wrote over the years since Marty went through the looking glass...if you should happen to return to a this sight I invite you to give me a call and we can remember Marty together for a while...Brother Bill (773)841-9285

Bill Busca

July 24, 2016

is any body out there?...Hi, this is Marty's brother Bill...I was just looking at the things you all wrote over the years since Marty went through the looking glass and I hope that if any of you see this you will contact me and we can remember Marty for a while...thanks, Bill (773) 841-9285

Bill Busca

July 24, 2016

Well my time went so quickly, I went lickety splitly...Out to my ol' 55...As I pulled away slowly, feeling so holy...God knows I was feeling alive...happy 55th Mard

bill busca

July 21, 2015

So, thought I could get away from the memory of you. Thinking about you and your Family during this the Christmas Holidays.

Maggie McCormick

November 30, 2014

Maggie

July 23, 2014

Happy Birthday Marty! Celbrating with Bill in Michigan

Butch

July 22, 2014

Remembering brother Marty on the other side. Surviving members Butch and Wild Bill of the Demons cycle club south Haven, Mich, main chapter...say "Demons ride"...say hey to Lory.

July 21, 2014

Twinkle, twinkle superstar(small s), how I wonder where you are. Up above the world so high( easy now) if you meet Jesus tell him I say hi(and mom, too).

Brother Bill

July 21, 2013

Maggie Mccormick

March 30, 2013

Maggie Mccormick

March 30, 2013

Maggie Mccormick

March 30, 2013

Rise up! If we could just start again. Do it all over again and just see Roses in the Rain, Roses in the Rain. Thanksgiving 1998 - Best Thanksgiving Ever!

Maggie

December 29, 2012

I did not forget your Birthday, neither did you family, think about you and wonder Happy Birthday Martz

Maggie

July 24, 2012

May 9, 2012

are always there <3

Maggie McCormick

May 9, 2012

Miss you Big Guy, Easter Blessings 2012
Mags

Maggie Jenkins

April 8, 2012

Hey Marty, Happy Birthday, almost forgot, spending too much time on Facebook, you would have gotton a kick out of it but you would have hated it too, love Maggie, Lisa, Jonah and Emma

Maggie Jenkins

July 22, 2011

Happy Birthday Bro...to the person who put up this site and to all the people who shared memories, thank you... Marty lives on because of you. Please contact me at [email protected] or (773) 841-9285 ; brother bill

bill busca

July 21, 2011

Hi Martz, the world has gone mad and we are going home to Australia.

Maggie Jenkins

April 8, 2011

Hi Martz Happy Birthday for the 22nd thought of you and really missed you, Maggie Jonah Emma and Lisa

Maggie Jenkins

July 24, 2010

Hi Marty, it is now Easter. Happy Easter child. We are in Taos with Lisa and Emma love Maggie and Jonah.

Maggie Jenkins

April 3, 2010

Hi Marty, I am so sad today, finally found you. You were always larger than life and so generous. We miss you forever love Maggie and Jonah

Maggie Jenkins

February 9, 2010

Dearest Marty,

I am heartbroken having just found this eulogy on the internet. I don't know what made me look for you today but I was shocked when I finally found you.

You were my first love, you know. We stole our first kiss when we were 6 on your parent's staircase. We formed the "Kitty Patrol" in South Haven when you, Billy and I would go out on the raft and save all the drowning bugs by scooping them up out of the water and letting them dry off in the sun - Vicki loved that (not!). Speaking of the three of us, remember when we got stung by the bees in South Haven while hunting for cattails on the side of the road? Or the time we convinced Billy to jump off the high dive, not once but twice, so he could be saved by the life guard? Of course, my favorite memory was coming off the beach and sneaking into the Biltmore Hotel to explore the abandoned building.

Our parents used to tell people we were twins because we were so close in age (less than a month). I liked that because I had no siblings and always wished you were my big brother. You were definitely my best friend.

When I read the part in the eulogy about you being a cereal freak, I had to smile. We used to eat cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner in South Haven when we could get away with it. Some things never change.

Even though our lives drifted apart, memories of our early carefree years together have lived on and I've shared those my loved ones.

There is an old Irish saying that goes something like this: As long as there are those with memories of you, you will never be forgotten. And when there is no one left to remember you here on earth that will mean that we are all together again in Heaven.

I look forward to seeing you again, Marty.

Rest in Peace, my brother, my friend. I will love you forever.

Leslie Bielick

Leslie Allison-Seei

October 19, 2009

Half a decade past and the shockwaves still reverberate.
Merry prankster, generous soul, incorrigible rapscallion--you lived life on your own terms and you lived it to the fullest.
I miss you, old buddy. I am stronger and braver for having known you--and a bit more demented as well.
You were a force of nature and your spirit cannot be extinguished--it lives on in the hearts of all those who knew you and loved you.

Susan Verhoef

June 13, 2007

I just read about Marty. I am so very sorry. Love is eternal and never diminished by time, distance nor even death. But we already knew that.

Kathy

July 29, 2005

I listened to "Calling all Martians" yesterday and I was again filled with the joy that Marty brought to his instrument, his band and his life.



I was always amazed by his inexhaustible wit and his kindness.

I miss Marty. The streets of Chicago feel a little colder without him.

God Bless, Marty.

Peter Zimmermann

November 24, 2004

Happy Birthday Marty. We all miss you very much.

July 22, 2002

Dear Marty, I ended up at an AA meeting this evening. A friend of mine was trying to bring me to an al-anon meeting but it was cancelled,so we went to an AA meeting instead. I sat through that meeting and it brought back so many memories. I felt like you were sitting there with me. You know I cried. I could see you again when life was good and you were strong, and you were sitting next to me. I want to make you a promise. I will do my best to make it to an al-anon meeting every week and once in a while I will go to an AA meeting for you. I promise I will go every year on your birthday and on the day you left us and I will remember you when you were happy and strong and taking life one day at a time and living life on lifes terms. I will go with Tom and Mark and my sisters and Mary and Suz and I will try to smile more than cry.You are so missed and I love you dearly.

Mary

February 19, 2002

Dear Busca Family,



My prayers are with you all.



You are strong. . . and together you will survive your loss.



Peace

a.

January 26, 2002

Eternity is such a long time for the people who loved Marty and those who called him friend. We all some day have to follow the same path. Marty, since you were first, there is one thing we ask of you. Walk slowly down the long,long path. For some day, we all have to follow you. We want you to know each step you take, that all of us walk the same. For some day down that lonely road you'll hear us call your name, Marty.

The Johnson Family

January 23, 2002

Marty--



Thanks for your unique, crazy, and ironic sense of humor, which like your music will always live on. We'll miss you much.



Meg

Meg

January 22, 2002

Jim and Eileen Koch and family offer our deepest condolences.

Jim Koch

January 22, 2002

Marty Busca





I am Marty’s Uncle Dave and Marty’s mom, Jackie, asked me to say a few words about Marty and so I talked to the family and some of his friends to get their input.



Marty was certainly someone who marched to his own drumbeat. In many ways Marty was an enigma – a very complex personality. We all knew Marty, but each from a different angle and perhaps we all saw something a little different. Perhaps he only let each of us see what he wanted us to see.



Marty was a remarkably talented, intelligent, kind, sensitive, generous person with an enormous appetite for life. He was a free spirit.



Now none of us is all – good, and none of us is all - bad.

In the song “My Way” Frank Sinatra sang about the way he lived his life, he sang “I did it my way”. I think most would agree that in the way Marty lived his life, he did it his way.



Along the way however, Marty made some very poor decisions and did some incredibly stupid things. Were it not for some of those decisions he might still be with us. Like many of us, Marty had a dark side, but that is not what we are here to talk about. We are here to celebrate the bright side – the Goodness that was in Marty – those things that drew us to him – those things that made us love him, even if we never told him.



Marty spent his life following his dreams.



“Marty” “Marty” “Marty” It is 1978 and the chant would be rising from the stands before a Mount Carmel H.S. hockey game. Marty’s love of the game and fearless playing had made him a hero at Mt. Carmel. His Dad told me that if he wanted to do something, there was no stopping him. Others used the words, tenacious, determined and even stubborn. Even though he started skating much later than the rest of his teammates, he was determined to succeed and he did. He loved the game and continued to play right to the end. His hockey bag was in his car when he died.



Marty was “cool” in High School – how do I know, Judi and Andy would be in the stands at those hockey games. They would tell people that Marty was their brother and the guys would tell them that Marty was “cool” and so were they, because they were Marty’s brother and sister.



He was tenacious and determined about his music as well. He just picked up a guitar and started playing. I don’t think he ever took any formal lessons and yet he became an accomplished musician. Ever since High School all we ever heard about were his bands. The Alley Cats, Bone Man of Barumba, and Spies that Surf. To keep it up took talent and determination, but he loved it.

He was very proud of the Band. He made gifts of CD’s to his family – signed and autographed. Marty was passionate about his music.

When it came to Hockey and Music, he was very competitive.



One of my favorite images of Marty is with his grandmother in our back yard when he gave her his guitar to hold and try to play. It was the playful Marty.



Playing with Spies That Surf was one of the things Marty loved to do. But when they were on a Gig that wasn’t going so well, Marty was famous for saying “That’s why they call it Showbiz, not Show Fun, Show nuf”



Marty was fearless. Nothing seemed to scare him. He would go swimming in Lake Michigan in the middle of storms. He jumped off of bluffs.



Marty was always pushing the envelope

Always more, bigger, better, how far could he go?



What else do we know about Marty?



Tom Klein told me that once he and Marty were being interviewed for a magazine article on Spies that Surf and the Editor asked Marty what his philosophy of life was? And after a very long pause Marty responded

“Never have a favorite golf ball, because you never know when you are going to lose it.” -Classic Marty





What else do we know?



We know he loved

People

To Hang Out

The outdoors

Sports

Anything Kooky, anything showbiz – At the drop of a hat he would chase anything new that might come into town check it out at Navy Pier or a Club or where ever

To eat cereal – He was a cereal freak

South Haven, Michigan

The Lake (Michigan that is)

To Watch Storms over the Lake

Driving back roads

Fireworks

To Enjoy life – he lived it to the fullest

To Cook, but not clean up



That doesn’t mean he wasn’t neat and clean, because he was.

He kept his apartment very orderly and neat.

He was a binge cleaner. This past spring at the family summer home in South Haven, Jackie told me he went through the place like the white tornado removing furniture from rooms and cleaning the walls and ceilings and every part of the house.





Marty loved his Friends. He loved to hang out with them.

Sunday night with Tom Klein, the Soprano’s and a Pizza made him happy.



Most of all Marty loved Family and Kids and especially Judy and Chris’s kids, Samantha, Billy, and Joey. He was especially proud to be Joey’s Godfather.

Family was important to Marty and when there was a family event he wanted to be there. For a number of years Family holidays have been at our house and I know there were a few times when Marty had other commitments, but still managed to make it even though it meant driving a long way.



Whenever his sister Vikki would come to town he made sure they had time together.



Marty Loved Kids and they loved him. The question is “Did Marty ever stop being a kid?” and I think the answer is No. Inside Marty was a 12-year-old boy who never grew up.



All the adults would be talking to each other while Marty would play silly games with the kids. He made games up when he played with his younger brother Andy and he did the same with each generation. He would wrestle with my brother’s boys, my grandsons and his nephews.

He paid attention to them and treated them as equals.



I started dating Marty’s Aunt Marge before he was born. Some of my early memories of Marty as a child were when he, Vikki, Billy and his cousins were at Grandpa and Grandma Busca’s house on Aberdeen and every Sunday afternoon after dinner the kids would put on a Play in the basement and we’d all have to sit and be entertained by the troupe. It was his cousin Kathy who was the organizer then.



Roll the Camera ahead almost 35 years and there is Marty with Samantha, Billy and Joey and now there are new productions only this time Marty is the Producer, the Director as well as one of the stars. He’d dress up funny, put on wigs and even women’s dresses.



Marty loved to have fun. He would live in the moment.

Right now. Not the future. He would give into his impulses.

He was spontaneous. He stopped to smell the roses. He lived in the present.

Isn’t that part of what we loved about Marty.



There was a certain innocence about him.

He was free, uninhibited and child- like.

No one would guess he was as old as he was if they saw him with kids. He was just a big kid at heart. Playful – or

As Steve Martin would say he was just a “wild and crazy guy”.



He was always ready to do something nuts – totally off the wall. He was a Pied Piper of sorts – children and adults followed him because they just knew something would happen. You would have fun.



Marty could make people laugh. Most people would say he was the funniest guy they ever knew. From the outlandish clothes he would wear to his different hair dos, Marty had his own style. He was half Bill Murray and half Kramer.



He would do funny things. As part of Bone Man of Barumba he wore a chicken bone from his ear. He was clever and quick witted. He had a great sense of humor. He was an entertainer. We will all remember Marty doing outlandish things and making us laugh.



They say that Clowns are laughing on the outside and crying on the inside. Marty was a clown. When he wasn’t out with his friends, he lived a quiet life.

If you ever talked with him for any period of time you would know that he was very intelligent.



There was a sensitive side to Marty. He was caring, compassionate, generous and thoughtful.

Beneath the exterior, was a very loving person.

At holidays at our house if there was someone new, Marty would try to get to know the people. He went out of his way to welcome people.

If there were one person in a crowd who wasn’t talking to anyone, Marty would go up and start a conversation. He was very accepting of other people.



Marty was a generous person. He didn’t always have a lot, but that didn’t stop his generous spirit. A few quick stories.



When Marty visited us for a holiday, he always brought something. It might not have been much, but always something. Candy, an autographed CD, a bottle of wine.

The gifts usually came with a story, which made the gift more personal – where he got it, why he picked it out.

The best gift may have been an Easter bouquet of Daffodils for his Saint Aunt Marge. Of course he had just picked them from the side of our house, but as they say – the thought was there.



Bill told me of a time when Marty met a down and out man and engaged him in a long conversation and when it was all said and done, Marty gave the man money so he could have a Television.



Marty was the kind of a guy that would go up to homeless men who were NOT begging and give them money.

Heather told me that he never passed a broken down car on the side of the road with out stopping to offer help.



She also told me of a time when Marty encountered a blind man who had gotten lost and disoriented. Marty helped him, took him grocery shopping and when they man did not have enough money to pay for everything Marty paid the difference and then took the man home.



Mary confirmed this. She said if you walked down the street with him you knew he’d stop and talk to every homeless guy he met and often helped.



One more thing I almost forgot – did I mention that Marty had a big appetite and loved to eat. The boy could pile a plate high and come back for more. It didn’t matter to him if everything was mixed up he ate it all.



Marty was unique and we are all different for having had him as a part of our life. We are going to miss him.

Let us thank God for Marty’s goodness and remember him for his kindness and generosity and for the times he made us smile, the times he made us laugh, and the times we almost wet our pants he had us laughing so much.



I am not real old, but I am a lot older than Marty and at my age people start to tell you that they love you and I have to admit I am more mindful of telling people that I love them as well. The reason of course is that at my age, the clock is ticking faster and you never know I might not be here next year.



But with someone Marty’s age – those thoughts, those feelings don’t always get expressed, because you figure there is always time – no rush.

And so if you didn’t get a chance to say good-bye or to tell Marty how you felt about him, you can take a moment right now and in the depth of your heart let him know how you feel. I am sure he will know.



I may not know everything about Marty and I am sure I don’t, but this much I do know.

Marty was an emotional, passionate person and I know Marty would want me to say this-



And so for Marty - let me say to you today that he loved you and cared about you.



Marty was a forgiving, accepting person.

And so for Marty - let me say he is sorry for any hurts he may have caused and he asks your forgiveness.



Like wise he forgives you for any hurts you may have caused him.

He is sorry he didn’t get to say good – bye.





And I’ll end with what else Marty would say- “Party On”.



Dave Sevening 1-20-02

David Sevening

January 21, 2002

Eulogy



Marty Busca





I am Marty’s Uncle Dave and Marty’s mom, Jackie, asked me to say a few words about Marty and so I talked to the family and some of his friends to get their input.



Marty was certainly someone who marched to his own drumbeat. In many ways Marty was an enigma - a very complex personality. We all knew Marty, but each from a different angle and perhaps we all saw something a little different. Perhaps he only let each of us see what he wanted us to see.



Marty was a remarkably talented, intelligent, kind, sensitive, generous person with an enormous appetite for life. He was a free spirit.



Now none of us is all - good, and none of us is all - bad.

In the song “My Way” Frank Sinatra sang about the way he lived his life, he sang “I did it my way”. I think most would agree that in the Marty did it his way.



Along the way however, Marty made some very poor decisions and did some incredibly stupid things. Were it not for some of those decisions he might still be with us. Like many of us, Marty had a dark side, but that is not what we are here to talk about. We are here to celebrate the bright side - the Goodness that was in Marty - those things that drew us to him - those things that made us love him, even if we never told him.



Marty spent his life following his dreams.



“Marty” “Marty” “Marty” It is 1978 and the chant would be rising from the stands before a Mount Carmel H.S. hockey game. Marty’s love of the game and fearless playing had made him a hero at Mt. Carmel. His Dad told me that if he wanted to do something, there was no stopping him. Others used the words, tenacious, determined and even stubborn. Even though he started skating much later than the rest of his teammates, he was determined to succeed and he did. He loved the game and continued to play right to the end. His hockey bag was in his car when he died.



Marty was “cool” in High School - how do I know, Judi and Andy would be in the stands at those hockey games. They would tell people that Marty was their brother and the guys would tell them that Marty was “cool” and so were they, because they were Marty’s brother and sister.



He was tenacious and determined about his music as well. He just picked up a guitar and started playing. I don’t think he ever took any formal lessons and yet he became an accomplished musician. Ever since High School all we ever heard about were his bands. The Alley Cats, Bone Man of Barumba, and Spies that Surf. To keep it up took talent and determination, but he loved it.

He was very proud of the Band. He made gifts of CD’s to his family - signed and autographed. Marty was passionate about his music.

When it came to Hockey and Music, he was very competitive.



One of my favorite images of Marty is with his grandmother in our back yard when he gave her his guitar to hold and try to play. It was the playful Marty.



Playing with Spies That Surf was one of the things Marty loved to do. But when they were on a Gig that wasn’t going so well, Marty was famous for saying “That’s why they call it Showbiz, not Show Fun, Show nuf”



Marty was fearless. Nothing seemed to scare him. He would go swimming in Lake Michigan in the middle of storms. He jumped off of bluffs.



Marty was always pushing the envelope

Always more, bigger, better, how far could he go?



What else do we know about Marty?



Tom Klein told me that once he and Marty were being interviewed for a magazine article on Spies that Surf and the Editor asked Marty what his philosophy of life was? And after a very long pause Marty responded

“Never have a favorite golf ball, because you never know when you are going to lose it.” -Classic Marty





What else do we know?



We know he loved

People

To Hang Out

The outdoors

Sports

Anything Kooky, anything showbiz - At the drop of a hat he would chase anything new that might come into town check it out at Navy Pier or a Club or where ever

To eat cereal - He was a cereal freak

South Haven, Michigan

The Lake (Michigan that is)

To Watch Storms over the Lake

Driving back roads

Fireworks

To Enjoy life - he lived it to the fullest

To Cook, but not clean up



That doesn’t mean he wasn’t neat and clean, because he was.

He kept his apartment very orderly and neat.

He was a binge cleaner. This past spring at the family summer home in South Haven, Jackie told me he went through the place like the white tornado removing furniture from rooms and cleaning the walls and ceilings and every part of the house.





Marty loved his Friends. He loved to hang out with them.

Sunday night with Tom Klein, the Soprano’s and a Pizza made him happy.



Most of all Marty loved Family and Kids and especially Judy and Chris’s kids, Samantha, Billy, and Joey. He was especially proud to be Joey’s Godfather.

Family was important to Marty and when there was a family event he wanted to be there. For a number of years Family holidays have been at our house and I know there were a few times when Marty had other commitments, but still managed to make it even though it meant driving a long way.



Whenever his sister Vikki would come to town he made sure they had time together.



Marty Loved Kids and they loved him. The question is “Did Marty ever stop being a kid?” and I think the answer is No. Inside Marty was a 12-year-old boy who never grew up.



All the adults would be talking to each other while Marty would play silly games with the kids. He made games up when he played with his younger brother Andy and he did the same with each generation. He would wrestle with my brother’s boys, my grandsons and his nephews.

He paid attention to them and treated them as equals.



I started dating Marty’s Aunt Marge before he was born. Some of my early memories of Marty as a child were when he, Vikki, Billy and his cousins were at Grandpa and Grandma Busca’s house on Aberdeen and every Sunday afternoon after dinner the kids would put on a Play in the basement and we’d all have to sit and be entertained by the troupe. It was his cousin Kathy who was the organizer then.



Roll the Camera ahead almost 35 years and there is Marty with Samantha, Billy and Joey and now there are new productions only this time Marty is the Producer, the Director as well as one of the stars. He’d dress up funny, put on wigs and even women’s dresses.



Marty loved to have fun. He would live in the moment.

Right now. Not the future. He would give into his impulses.

He was spontaneous. He stopped to smell the roses. He lived in the present.

Isn’t that part of what we loved about Marty.



There was a certain innocence about him.

He was free, uninhibited and child- like.

No one would guess he was as old as he was if they saw him with kids. He was just a big kid at heart. Playful - or

As Steve Martin would say he was just a “wild and crazy guy”.



He was always ready to do something nuts - totally off the wall. He was a Pied Piper of sorts - children and adults followed him because they just knew something would happen. You would have fun.



Marty could make people laugh. Most people would say he was the funniest guy they ever knew. From the outlandish clothes he would wear to his different hair dos, Marty had his own style. He was half Bill Murray and half Kramer.



He would do funny things. As part of Bone Man of Barumba he wore a chicken bone from his ear. He was clever and quick witted. He had a great sense of humor. He was an entertainer. We will all remember Marty doing outlandish things and making us laugh.



They say that Clowns are laughing on the outside and crying on the inside. Marty was a clown. When he wasn’t out with his friends, he lived a quiet life.

If you ever talked with him for any period of time you would know that he was very intelligent.



There was a sensitive side to Marty. He was caring, compassionate, generous and thoughtful.

Beneath the exterior, was a very loving person.

At holidays at our house if there was someone new, Marty would try to get to know the people. He went out of his way to welcome people.

If there were one person in a crowd who wasn’t talking to anyone, Marty would go up and start a conversation. He was very accepting of other people.



Marty was a generous person. He didn’t always have a lot, but that didn’t stop his generous spirit. A few quick stories.



When Marty visited us for a holiday, he always brought something. It might not have been much, but always something. Candy, an autographed CD, a bottle of wine.

The gifts usually came with a story, which made the gift more personal - where he got it, why he picked it out.

The best gift may have been an Easter bouquet of Daffodils for his Saint Aunt Marge. Of course he had just picked them from the side of our house, but as they say - the thought was there.



Bill told me of a time when Marty met a down and out man and engaged him in a long conversation and when it was all said and done, Marty gave the man money so he could have a Television.



Marty was the kind of a guy that would go up to homeless men who were NOT begging and give them money.

Heather told me that he never passed a broken down car on the side of the road with out stopping to offer help.



She also told me of a time when Marty encountered a blind man who had gotten lost and disoriented. Marty helped him, took him grocery shopping and when the man did not have enough money to pay for everything Marty paid the difference and then took the man home.



Mary confirmed this. She said if you walked down the street with him you knew he’d stop and talk to every homeless guy he met and often helped.



One more thing I almost forgot - did I mention that Marty had a big appetite and loved to eat. The boy could pile a plate high and come back for more. It didn’t matter to him if everything was mixed up he ate it all.



Marty was unique and we are all different for having had him as a part of our life. We are going to miss him.

Let us thank God for Marty’s goodness and remember him for his kindness and generosity and for the times he made us smile, the times he made us laugh, and the times we almost wet our pants he had us laughing so much.



I am not real old, but I am a lot older than Marty and at my age people start to tell you that they love you and I have to admit I am more mindful of telling people that I love them as well. The reason of course is that at my age, the clock is ticking faster and you never know I might not be here next year.



But with someone Marty’s age - those thoughts, those feelings don’t always get expressed, because you figure there is always time - no rush.

And so if you didn’t get a chance to say good-bye or to tell Marty how you felt about him, you can take a moment right now and in the depth of your heart let him know how you feel. I am sure he will know.



I may not know everything about Marty and I am sure I don’t, but this much I do know.

Marty was an emotional, passionate person and I know Marty would want me to say this-



And so for Marty - let me say to you today that he loved you and cared about you.



Marty was a forgiving, accepting person.

And so for Marty - let me say he is sorry for any hurts he may have caused and he asks your forgiveness.



Like wise he forgives you for any hurts you may have caused him.

He is sorry he didn’t get to say good - bye.





And I’ll end with what else Marty would say- “Party On”.



Dave Sevening 1-20-02

David Sev ening

January 20, 2002

About 13 years ago, I was out with a friend who I saw talking to a tall, handsome, curly-headed person for quite a while. I asked to be introduced to him, and was immediately smitten(sp?) with Marty! Over the next two years, I cherished any time I could spend with him.



Having only seen him once a year at most since then, I was surprised how hard his death has hit me. I thought I had all but forgotten him and now realize what an impact he had on me. I guess I always loved him and always will. I'll never forget him.



Deepest Sympathy to the Busca Family, to all Marty's friends.

Rest in Peace, Marty!

Theresa Altgilbers

January 19, 2002

Words are poor things to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. The world will be a little less fun, a little less brash, a little less loving, a little less bright and a little less warm without our friend Marty. We love him and miss him. We will remember him with laughter, jokes and music.

beany sevening

January 19, 2002

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the Busca's. While I hadn't seen Marty in quite a while, I remember him as a funny guy, with wild hair and wacky pants! God Bless.

Becky (Short) Latshaw

January 18, 2002

To the Busca Family

Hearing of the loss of Marty has made my heart very heavy and very sad. Marty and I were friends during our grade school and high-school years. I remember Marty as being a good friend, funny, and someone that was very easy to be around. I am so sorry for your loss and pray that God will comfort you deeply during this time.

Sincerely,

Patty (Kelso)Walberer

Patty (Kelso) Walberer

January 18, 2002

Dear Ed, Jackie and Family:



This is just a little note to let you know how saddened I was to hear of Marty's passing.



I do know is now in heaven with Grandma and Grandpa Busca and can watch over your beautiful grandchildren and Marge and Dave's

grandchildren who loved him so much!

What a special angel you have now!

MARY KAY ROGUS

January 18, 2002

With deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tom, Lisa and Family Beemsterboer

January 18, 2002

The Busca Family,



I met Marty much like most of my friends, through Andy. Andy's love and loyalty to his family and friends will help you get through these difficult times.



My families thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.





Sincerely,





William J. Mulligan Jr. and Family

Bill Mulligan

January 18, 2002

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Busca family, we have fond memories of Marty and all your family up at the Cottage in Michigan and growing up across the street from your family. I will always remember Marty's story about how he injured his leg while we were up at your cottage. He cleverly turned a vacuum accident into a terrific hockey injury! How could you not love Marty! Go speed racer, go speed racer, gooooo!

May your fond memories of Marty comfort you during your grieving.

All our prayers,

Joslyn, Pablo , Dana and Doreen and Yvonne Mouser

Joslyn (Mouser)Reyes

January 17, 2002

A copy of the Eulogy will be posted after the funeral.

David Sevening

January 17, 2002

Vikki ,

I just got your phone message. I wish you'd called sooner so I could have helped. I am so sorry for your loss. I always wanted to meet more of your family. Please let the rest of your family know that each of you are in my prayers. Call me and let me know if there is anything I can do from here.

Love,



Vesta and Bill

Vesta Merenda

January 17, 2002

Bill & Vicki,

I was so sorry and saddened to hear about Marty's death. Although I didn't know him well, he always struck me as a very kind, nice, and warm person. I know what it's like to lose a sibling, having lost a sister many years ago. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend services for him since I no longer live in Chicago, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family through the week and for some time to come. Take good care of yourselves and each other.

Aggie Stewart

January 16, 2002

I've known the Busca's for 25 years. Beverly is like a small town, where you know everyone & care tremendously about the people. When something like this happens to one family, it happens to us all.

The Busca's are an amazing family & our thoughts are with you always. Play on Marty!!

Kathy Healey Ross Adams and the Healey Family

January 16, 2002

I was his brother Andy's fraternity brother. On the few occasions I had met Martin I knew him to be of stong spirit and personality. The strong bond between Andy and he was evident and that of what brothers should be. Those that had met or known Martin are all saddened by his passing.

Kelly & Family Glisan

January 16, 2002

To the Busca Family,

Marty was my great friend in grammar school and I still think of him with the best memories. I remember he used to walk out of his way to walk me home from school everyday in 7th and 8th grade. I lost my sister Laura some years ago and I unfortunately understand your enormous grief. I am so sorry for your loss.

Liz Hunding Larmon

Liz Hunding

January 16, 2002

Vikki and family - I send my deepest sympathies and prayers to you on your loss. May God Bless.

Sis Johnson

January 15, 2002

Victoria Busca and Family,

It is with my deepest sympathy I send my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your brother Martin. My prayers are with you.

Kathleen Jacobs

January 14, 2002

I noted Marty's passing with sadness in Sunday's paper. I'll always remember him as a great hockey player, talented musician and funny, funny guy. I know his spirit will live on whenever his MC classmates get together. My condolences to the family and may Our Lady of Mt. Carmel pray for Marty.

Tom O'Keefe

January 14, 2002

M -

I cannot believe you are gone. I miss you. So Much. I never told you what an impact you had on me. I never told you a lot of things. But somehow, I think you know. You were just like that!



Thank you for everything you have done for me, and thank you for who you are. I am a better person for having known you.



I love you.



- D

Dawn Hach

January 14, 2002

Victoria-

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jim Marion

January 13, 2002

I was very sorry to read of Marty's passing. While I haven't seen him in some years, I took improv classes with Marty many years ago at Players Workshop, and worked with him as a musician some years later. I was always impressed with his openess, his friendliness and his talent. I will miss him. My sympathies go to his other friends and to his family.

Steve Ginensky

January 13, 2002

Sincere condolences to my dear friend and co-worker, Victoria and her Mom Jackie. My prayers are with you in your hours of grief. GOD BLESS the BUSCA FAMILY.

Warren McCue

January 13, 2002

It was with sadness that I read Marty's notice in today's paper. As a voice from his youth I can attest to what a great guy he was. He lived life with energy and touched me even over these many years. Condolences to a great family.

Daniel Baffoe

January 13, 2002

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

David Gaidas and Family

January 13, 2002

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