Obituary: Jospeh C. "Buffo" Cerniglia - Class of 1953

MADISON - Joseph C. "Buffo" Cerniglia passed away on April 12, 2015, at the Agrace HospiceCare.

Joe was born on Sept. 25, 1935, to Charles and Georgia (Schiro) Cerniglia. He proudly grew up in the Greenbush and graduated from Central High in 1953. Upon graduation, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Korea. In the mid 60's Joe was one of the co-founders of the Madison Mustangs semi-pro football team and served as their general manager for many years.

Joe had a deep appreciation for his Italian heritage and was a member of the Italian Workmen's Club. He had an incredible memory, sense of humor and loved entertaining friends and family with his storytelling. Joe was also known for his great Italian cooking and his famous weekly luncheons.

 Joe is survived by his brothers, Pete (Jill) and their children, Jeff, Tari (Gary) Piediscalzzi and Ann; Chuck and his children, Lisa (Todd) Lusk, Lori, and Ross (Maureen); Bob (Kathie) and their children, Tony, Katie, and Molly; and his sister, Marie (Doug) Griesbach and their children, Mark (Cindy) and Karen (Andy) Follis; and his friend, Joanie Severson. Joe is further survived by great-nieces and nephews, many special cousins and friends too numerous to mention, but you all know the place you held in Joe's heart. Joe was a great brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

 A celebration of Joe's life will be held at VFW POST 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, on Thursday, April 23, 2015, beginning with a visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a time for sharing stories beginning at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 24, 2015, at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Friends and family may call from 10 a.m. until time of service.

There will never be another Buffo! "I'll be seeing you.........."

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 19, 2015. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)