Search by Name
Search by Name
Buster, devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather was born on March 25, 1923, in Independence, LA to John and Lena Sampere Guzzardo. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 26, 2021. He was 98 years old and a native and lifelong resident of Independence, LA. Buster was a member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 5627, a member and past Commander of the American Legion Post 109, the Saint Joseph Society, the I.I.A.C.A. He was the Grand Marshall of the Italian Festival in 1999 and the Sicilian Heritage Festival in 2011. Buster was a member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church and a supporter of Mater Dolorosa Catholic School. He was drafted and inducted into the US Army in January of 1943. Buster entered the European Theatre in the 759th Military Police Company in North Africa, Morocco, and Casablanca. After 29 months, he joined the 295th Engineer Combat Battalion. Buster participated in the battles of Monte Cassino and Anzio in route to liberating Rome. He spent the war in Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Germany. Buster participated in the Battle of the Bulge, escorted prisoners of war to the US, and rescued Jewish prisoners from concentration camps. He escorted General Eisenhower to the front line while in France. Buster was honorably discharged in November 1945 after V.E. Day. He was awarded the EAMETO medal, the Good Conduct medal, and the World War II Victory medal. After a brief stint in the grocery business with his father and brothers, Buster started his public service career. He served 4 years as a board of Alderman in Independence. Buster served 11 years as a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Deputy under Sheriff Tom Sanders. He served 9 years as an elected Louisiana House of Representative for District 72. Buster spent the next 33 years as a Regional Supervisor for the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles and Revenue before his retirement. Buster and his wife Sara of 65 years, raised 6 children in Independence. He is survived by his 2 sons, B.J. Guzzardo Jr.. (Faye), Jerome Guzzardo (Julie); his 4 daughters, Madelene Pisciotta (Ronald), Ann Guzzardo, Lorraine Guzzardo, Sara Harrell (John); 17 grandchildren, Rex, Elissa, Ryan, Taylar, and Logan Guzzardo, Sarah Drude, Leslie Cormier, Christopher, Ronald, and Jude Pisciotta, Jessica Finley, Michael and Galan Gagneaux, Amber Trapen, Heather, Eric, and Zachary Harrison; 34 great-grandchildren, Charley, Kendal, and Avery Guzzardo, Noah Conde, Lane Drude, Kady, Chloe, and Hudson Cormier, Lathan McDonald, Brinkleigh, Oaklyn, and Ellie McKee, Sebastian, Christian, Madelene, and Giovanni Pisciotta, Destini Dorsa, Joseph and Joshua Soniat, Grace Finley, Caden and Aubree Gagneaux, Mikey, Bryce, Gianna, and Gabriel Trapen, Benjamin, William, and Isabella Robinson, Loxley Harrison, Jude, Adrian, Mary Claire, and Cassian Pisciotta; 1 great-great-grandchild, Sophia Pisciotta; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Campo Guzzardo; parents, John and Lena Sampere Guzzardo; brothers, Joe, Pete, and George Guzzardo; and sisters, Josephine Franciamore, Minnie Garafola, Mary Vilardo, and Carmela Guzzardo. His 10 grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family wishes to thank his granddaughter, Amber and her husband Mike Trapen and their family for their loving, devoted care given to him for many years. The family would also like to thank the ladies that tended to him daily; Ms. Shirlene Dyson, Ms. Adele Gehbauer, Jasmine Rogers, and Stephanie Brown. Thanks also to the V.A. nurses, home health workers, and the Hospice Specialists of Louisiana. Buster loved God, his family, and country. He never met a stranger and never refused to help a person in need. Buster will forever be remembered for the good he did for his fellow man, his selflessness, generosity, religiousness, caring, and compassion. He took pride and joy in helping others. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Mater Dolorosa Catholic School of Independence or the National World War II Museum of New Orleans. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, 12012 Hwy 190 W. Hammond, LA 70401, on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021 at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Reuben Dykes will officiate with interment to follow in Colonial Cemetery. Condolences and other information may be found at www.thompsoncares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So so sad to learn that my cousin died. My great grandmother was Josephine Guzzardo. I got to visit Mr. Buster a decade or so ago when visiting my family in Louisiana. I had no idea when we visited him just how fabulous his career and heart were, although my cousin Catherine had told me about his government career and how he helped so many people. He was a giant of a man and such a tribute to our family. He truly did God's work and had a true servant's heart. I enjoyed meeting some of his family and his granddaughter and husband and was so impressed at how his family looked after him so well - so Italian. It is sad that my grandmother Mary Sampere of Independence and her husband Morris Macaluso of Tickfaw moved to Illinois in the 1940s and with the death of my mother (Beatrice Patricia) and her twin sister Congetta in the 1970s, its hard for me to keep up with my Louisiana family, of which I have many members. We have Guzzardos here in Rockford too and they all have Louisiana roots.
Buster shared a name with my great grandfather Sebastiano who also lived to 97 years old. I am honored to have met Buster and am very proud of him. I posted his accomplishments on Facebook even! Thank you kind man of God for your service to our country and to Louisiana. Job well done! May God bless you all and may Buster touch the face of God in beloved happiness with Sara and our other family gone before. I hope to see his family more in the future and pray that they find peace at this sad time.
Valeri DeCastris and David Beccue
Family
January 6, 2022
We admired Mr. Buster so much for all of his work for the community. We always enjoyed talking with him and listening to his ideas and plans to improve the town and state. We considered him a good friend.
Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Linda and Nick Vaccaro
December 14, 2021
We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Buster's passing. He is now with his loving wife Sarah in heaven. We have many fond memories of Buster through the years. I know you all will miss him dearly but he did live a full life and we all have wonderful memories to life on.
Bookie and Pat Guzzardo
Family
December 12, 2021
My condolences to the Guzzardo family.
I got to know Mr. Buster when I served as Postmaster in Independence in the late 90's. He love his town and his parish and was always a gentlemen. He will be missed!
Michael Griffin
Other
December 4, 2021
BJ, so sorry to learn of your father's passing. What an impressive obit - your family should be proud and have wonderful memories. I'm certain your faith, family and friends will afford support as you deal with this loss.
Peace.
Will Wilton
Will Wilton
Family
December 2, 2021
With Deepest Sympathy
The Dyson Family
Work
November 30, 2021
To : BJ and family, you have my deepest Condolences on the transition of your father.
Rev. Dr. Raymond L Johnson
Dr. Ray Johnson
Friend
November 30, 2021
Uncle Buster was a great man and will be missed by many. He touched many lives with his warmth, charm and commitment to helping others. Rest In Peace, dear Uncle. With love and prayers for the entire family. Jennie and Steve
Jennie and Steve Littlewood
Family
November 30, 2021
My prayers are with the Guzzardo family.
Patricia Jordan
Other
November 29, 2021
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Funeral services provided by:
Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home - Hammond12012 Highway 190 W, Hammond, LA 70401
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more