Thomas A. Buba

Thomas A. Buba, 77, of Newburyport, MA, died September 18, 2019. He was born and raised in Fall River, MA by his parents, Margaret (McElroy) and Alexander Buba. He enjoyed summers in Portsmouth, RI with his extended family.

Tom was a dedicated teacher in the Commonwealth for many years. He began his career teaching science in Hingham, then moved on to become the director of the IMC at Foster School. After earning a Master’s Degree from Boston University, he taught television and media production and served as the director of the Television Center at Brockton High School. 

He retired in 2004 and spent several years in Bourne, MA actively involved with the Bourne Historical Society. He later moved to the North Shore of Massachusetts to be closer to family. When his illness made living alone too challenging, he relocated to Atria Merrimack Place in Newburyport, MA where, in true form, Tom’s first project was to reorganize the residents’ library. 

No matter where he lived, Tom easily made connections and enjoyed being a member of his community. He loved to kid around but was usually given away by his trademark smirk and the mischievous twinkle in his eye. He had a voracious appetite for learning, enjoyed being out on the water, clam bakes at the house on Riverside Ave., camping, reading, listening to music, and treasured, above all else, precious time with his family and friends.

Tom is predeceased by his mother and father. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Fiola of New Bedford, MA; his daughters Nicole Vient of Amesbury, MA, Sarah Phillips and husband Rob Phillips of Haverhill, MA;  his son Thomas Buba and wife Ashley, of Austin, TX, and their mother Janet Cormia of Hingham, MA. He is also survived by his nephew William Fortin, and nieces Donna Fortin, Jennifer Cosme, and Denise Fortin, all of New Bedford; his beloved grandchildren: Ethan Vient, Levi Vient, Nolan Vient, and Caroline Vient of Amesbury, MA, and their father, Peter Vient of Amesbury, MA; Madelyn Phillips and Eliza Phillips of Haverhill, MA, and Ainsley Buba and Hadley Buba, of Austin, TX, as well as many other family and friends whom he treasured.

Tom’s family is eternally grateful for the love and support he received from the magnificent staff at Atria, as well as the care and comfort he experienced during his stay at High Pointe Hospice in Haverhill, MA. 

A memorial service and celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb Street, Newburyport, MA on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA is assisting Mr. Buba’s family with his funeral arrangements.

Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to: MGH Development Office 125 Nashua St., Suite 540 Boston, MA 02114. If sending a check, please note: “In Support of Dr. Schmahmann’s Lab” If online: www.giving.massgeneral.org/donate/ataxia-unit.

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