Salvatore "Sam" Busuito Jr.

Salvatore “Sam” Busuito Jr. of Livonia, Michigan passed away unexpectedly of cardiac arrest and went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the age of 58.

Sam, the youngest of six, grew up in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. He was raised by his beloved mom in a single-parent household with 2 older sisters, 3 older brothers, and an endless supply of “hand-me-downs.” What they lacked in finances, they made up for in a home filled with abundant love and strong bonds, as well as occasional holes in the wall, dented doors, broken windows, and a partially burnt garage, to the displeasure of their mother. Sam, a child full of boundless energy and zeal for life, sought thrills and adventures at every turn. His love of rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues motivated him to master the acoustic, bass, and electric guitars. He thrived playing competitive sports including Little League Baseball, high school baseball, pick-up basketball, boxing, and sandlot football. Beginning at age eleven, Sam worked numerous after-school and summer jobs to buy necessities and purchase his first car, a Plymouth Duster. After the Duster bit the dust, he repaired and rebuilt numerous engines and cars using buckets of Bondo, junkyard auto parts, spit, and elbow grease.

An avid reader, Sam developed a love of political science and history from an early age. Dabbling in politics at Riverside High School, Sam ran for eighth-grade class president and beat his opponent, Deb Moncrieff. During high school, their paths would cross numerous times. Sixteen-year old Sam eventually sat behind Deb in class and bestowed upon her endless hours of entertainment, humor, sarcasm, and wit, while scarcely completing his homework assignments. After class one day, he mustered the courage to ask her out on a date. Though it seems like yesterday, over 41 years have passed since their first date at Red Lobster. Sam and Deb recently returned to the site of their honeymoon beach vacation to celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary. As they watched the sun set on the beach, they knew that they had knit together the frail and faulty fabric of their lives into one beautiful tapestry of infinite love.

In addition to being a devoted and loving husband, Sam’s greatest accomplishment was raising their two sons, Joshua and Joel. His family was his priority and his world. Putting his family’s needs before his own, he sold his guitars, motorcycle, and his refurbished Mustang GT to finance a down payment on their first home. Reflecting on his impetuous youth, he would often bemoan his lack of wisdom. As a Christian man raising a family, he learned that the Lord provides wisdom, and the lack of wisdom leaves one in folly or the path of foolishness. Sam succeeded in imparting fatherly wisdom to his sons, guiding and nurturing their gifts and talents, and fostering a loving family bond for future generations. God worked everything for good.

Faith guided Sam’s marriage, daily decisions, worldview, and life. He shared his Christian faith with others as a son, husband, father, friend, Sunday School teacher, Men’s Ministry leader, and Bible study teacher. In addition to church ministries, Sam enjoyed attending concerts and beach vacations with Deb, backpacking and target shooting with Josh and Joel, jiu jitsu with his brothers, and basketball, golf, and tennis with family and friends. He curated an extensive library of autobiographies, biographies, and history books. Sam loved music, playing his guitar, studying military history, sharing trivia, and cooking at family and church gatherings.

Sam will always be remembered as an intelligent, sincere, hardworking, man of integrity who was known for his dedication, empathy, generosity, and faith. His competitive spirit, passion, humor, quick wit, succinct summaries, off-hand comments, and clever barbs will be sorely missed. Though he never fought against flesh and blood in an epic military battle, he fought against unseen powers and principalities and came out victorious in the end. Sam will be forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

Sam completed an Associates of Science degree in Automotive Technology from Henry Ford Community College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Military Studies with a concentration in Asymmetrical Warfare from American Public/Military University. Sam began his career in the automotive industry and worked as an Engine & Brake Dynamometer Test Technician, Technical Writer, Training Developer, Project Manager, Program Manager, and Manager of Operations. He spent his remaining years employed in the defense industry as a Logistics Specialist with General Dynamics Land Systems.

Sam leaves behind his wife Debra Busuito; sons Joshua Busuito and Joel Busuito; brothers and sisters Dianne Davis, Joanne (Lawrence Czerwinski) Davis, Vincent (Pamela) Busuito, Joseph Busuito, and Christopher (Cheryl) Busuito; father-in-law and mother-in law Harry and Rosalie Todd; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Robert (Brenda) Moncrieff, James Moncrieff, Carrie (Douglas) Moyer, and Cheryl (Douglas) Wilks; 22 nieces and nephews; and 15 great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Salvatore J. Busuito, his loving mother Irene Busuito, and his father-in-law David Moncrieff.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the ICU staff at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia for their care and compassion.

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18)

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:6)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on July 24, 2021, at Ward Church located at 40000 Six Mile Rd., Northville, Michigan. A Memorial Tribute Service will be held from 11:00 am-11:30 am in the Chapel, followed by a "Celebration of Life" gathering with family and friends from 11:30 am-2 pm in Suite Rooms 1 & 2. Parking is located in Lot #2, adjacent to the chapel, in the Northwest corner of the complex.