Aniello Buzzacco

YOUNGSTOWN - We celebrate the incredible life of Aniello Buzzacco, affectionately known as Neil, Papa, and PapaPapa, who passed away at home surrounded by his children on the afternoon of June 15, 2025.

Neil was born on December 14, 1932, in the Brier Hill neighborhood of Youngstown, Ohio to Raffaele Buzzacco and Angeline Sarno Buzzacco, the last child from a family of four boys. His family immigrated to Youngstown from Bagnoli Irpino, Avellino, Campania, Italy and Neil was a proud son of both places. Neil and his family embodied the American dream.

He proudly served in the US Army during the 1950s and was stationed in Germany. Following his return to the states, he married the love of his life, Anna Mae Marenkovic, with whom he had six wonderful children. They built a life together in their west side home adjacent to Mill Creek Park, which Neil remodeled himself over the course of many years. It was a home filled with many beautiful memories, picnics, carpentry tools, and most importantly, food- especially on Sundays. Neil and Anna Mae created an amazing family and a legacy that will last many generations.

Neil was a master of his crafts- both cooking and carpentry. His ability to cook a meal for nearly 30 family members most Sundays was not only admirable, but delicious. His bread, pizza, and sauce were flavors that you always tried to replicate but just could never seem to get it exactly like his. Sunday dinners at Papa’s will be sorely missed. Neil taught us the meaning of tradition, family, and eating well!

Neil worked for many years as a carpenter with the Youngstown Board of Education and upon retiring in the early 1990s, founded Buzzacco Builders with his brother Dominic. They built and remolded multiple homes throughout the Mahoning Valley- leaving a lasting, permanent imprint on the community they loved dearly. Neil had a lifelong interest in local politics- serving as a Mahoning County precinct committeeman for over 40 years and a proud member of the Democrat Party. He was also a founding member of the annual Brier Hill festival and was honored as “Man of the Year” in 2016.

After Anna Mae’s passing, Neil later found companionship with Deborah Hammond, who brought him love and kindness for nearly two decades. In his later years, Neil spent his days traveling, cooking, smoking cigars, and playing golf. He truly lived his life to the fullest!

Neil is sorrowfully preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Vincenzo “James”, Salvatore “Sam”, Dominic “Buzz”, his loving wife Anna Mae, his first son and namesake Neil, a daughter-in-law Christine, and his companion Deborah. He is survived by a daughter, Angela Joseph (Lou) of Youngstown, sons Samuel (Joyce) of Boardman, Anthony (Barbara) of St. Peters, MO, David of Canfield, Daniel (Deirdre) of Mooresville, NC, a daughter-in-law, Frances of Youngstown, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren- all who will continue to live out his story.

The family will celebrate and honor Neil’s life with a private event on July 4, 2025 in honor of one of Neil’s favorite holidays. 

Rest in peace, Papa- we will all miss you dearly. Se saprai ricordarmi, sarò sempre con te.