Sebastian “Buster” Lofaro

August 26, 1927 - December 21, 2020

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

1302 Broadway

Galveston, TX 77550

Sunday 1/3, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Rosary 6:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

1302 Broadway

Galveston, TX 77550

Monday 1/4, 10:30 am

Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery

Sebastian “Buster” Lofaro Sr., 93, of Galveston, passed away Monday, December 21, 2020, at his residence. He was born August 26, 1927, in Aci Trezza, Sicily, Italy, to Giovanni and Alfia (Mirabella) Lofaro. At the early age of 10 years old, Buster along with his family immigrated to America on November 11, 1937 aboard the SS Rex. They settled and made a home in Galveston, TX where Buster attended Sacred Heart Catholic School. As a young man he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge from the military Buster then began his working career as a repairman fixing televisions; though he ultimately found the best use of his professional skills as a pipefitter and sheet metal fabricator where he spent nearly 58 years working for Farmer’s Marine Copper Works and A&A Machine and Fabrication as a pipefitter specialist.

Buster was a self-taught woodworker, gifted craftsman, a distinguished artist, statue restorer, welder, and sculptor. He used these abilities regularly to help shrimpers, churches, schools, civic organizations, and his family and friends. Buster believed in being an active member in his community and using those talents as an expression of his devout faith, and to better his beloved island. Buster was a 68-year member of Sacred Heart Church and an honorary lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus chapter #787. He was particularly proud of the two large murals he painted in dedication to the spirit of exploration, and which remain in the main hall of the Knights of Columbus center. The two murals were named “Columbus discovering the New World” and “First Landing on the Moon”. Buster was also a board member of the Italian American Association of Galveston, and a member of the O’Connell High School Athletic Booster Club for which he built and personally installed the goal posts on the practice football field. Additionally, as a member of the Treasure Ball Committee he designed, built, and painted the stage platform. Buster especially enjoyed building the shrine for the feast of St. John the Baptist and painting the banners of each diocese of the Texas Coat of Arms at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. He also used his craftsmanship and carpentry skills to custom build furniture and paint a variety of murals for his home, including a large reproduction of da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” on the ceiling.

Buster treasured the time he spent playing cards with family and friends, and especially with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family enjoyed the many times he would play the mandolin with his wife Grace singing accompaniment. Buster loved watching football, especially when all four of his sons played for Kirwin/O’Connell High School, and he was a true die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan.

Buster was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Tina Fichera; and brothers-in-law, Joe Fichera and Joe Conti.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Grace Lofaro; sister, Grace Conti; sons: John Lofaro, Sebastian Lofaro Jr. and wife, Antonella, Sam Lofaro and wife, Lisa, and Alfio Lofaro and wife, Veronica; grandchildren: Loriann Lofaro Osti (Ramiro), Lisa Lofaro Vidal (Andy), Travis Wright (Tiffany), Julie Lofaro Sherrill (Anthony), Catherine Lofaro Rangel (Antonio), Sebastian Lofaro, Melanie Lofaro, Emily Lofaro, and Amanda Lofaro; great grandchildren: Luke Vidal, Sarah Furman, Noah Vidal, Emma Vidal, Penelope Sherrill, Antonio Rangel III, Ariella Sherrill; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Buster’s family will receive visitors beginning at 4:00 pm, Sunday, January 3, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A rosary will begin at 6:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Monday, January 4, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with entombment following at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson.

Pallbearers will be Sebastian Lofaro, Travis Wright, Andy Vidal, Anthony Sherrill, Antonio Rangel II, and Ramiro Osti. Luke Vidal will serve as honorary pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family Parish, 1010 35^th Street, Galveston, TX 77550.

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I had the honor of meeting Mr. Buster Lofaro in the 8th grade at Kirwin High School when his son Johnny and his three brothers Junior, Sammy, and Alfio became lifetime friends. So many memories of Mr. Lofaro during high school, college and adult life. My fondest memory was watching Mr. Lofaro set up scaffolding in the living room of his house and laying on his back to paint the The Lord’s Last Supper on the ceiling. The guy had some skills. The way he painted Jesus eyes to watch you as you walk throughout the house. Unbelivable! Michelangelo would tip his hat to Mr. Lofaro. Walking throughout the house was like walking through a world class museum. All the paintings were created by one gifted artist - Mr. Sabastian “Buster” Lofaro. Of course, this was accomplished by the unconditional support of his wife Mrs. Grace Lofaro. I can only wonder what St. Peter will task Mr. Lofaro to paint in heaven.

In memory of a most kind and caring gentleman who placed his family and others first. You will remain with us always.

My deepest condolences for the whole family. You all are in my prayers to have God's blessings shine down on you all to have strength and love. May you enjoy and share all the wonderful memories that I know each of you have.

Our condolences to Grace and to all the Lofaro family. Buster has left us with his beautiful legacy of his wonderful artwork. We are so appreciative of his work that graces the walls of our church properties, our Knights of Columbus hall, our community and for so much more -- too numerous to recount but will never be forgotten. May God continue to bless you & to sustain you during this difficult time. Our love and prayers are with you.

So very sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Juan and I and my family send our deepest condolences. I know your deep faith will see you through. Sending our love.

My condolences to the Lofaro Family. May Mr. Lofaro Rest In Peace. My prayers and sentiment go out to your family.

Our heartfelt and deepest sympathies are with you at this most difficult time. May our, Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you and give you the strength to carry on. Uncle Buster will always be remembered for the love of his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. But most of all the love he had for his wife, Zia Grace. Their marriage is a testament of true love. May you now rest in Loving arms of our Father in Heaven. RIP with all our love, Phil & Freda Apgar 💖💖🙏🙏

My sincere condolences for the passing of Mr. Lofaro. He lived a complete life and raised a great family. God bless this great family.

My sincere condolences Leslie Stuckart

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I know he will be watching down on the family. I never met him but know John and Buster. He raised two remarkable young men. God bless.

Time stands still for no one. We enter into this world a blank slate. Our parents, our cousins, our relatives and our friends all provide strokes of paint on our canvas of life. We become who we are because of those around us. Buster was brought up with the best life had to offer, "I Trezotti". I remember the parties outside by the pool, I remember the movies, the card games and for me the music. Buster and his mandolin, playing "Double Eagle", Roll Out the Barrell", O Solo Mio, Santa Lucia and Ce La Luna to name a few..and so many other tunes as everyone gathered around enjoying the memories of the moment. He lived a long and impactful life. He demeanor and his talents drew many to his side, and as a result many were influenced by him. Because of this, Buster will never be forgotten. Wherever he was during his life, he left a little bit of himself behind, and that moment will be remembered and the stories that follow will be told for generations. A good man who loved life, a good husband who loved his wife Grace, a good father who loved his boys, a good grandfather who loved his grandchildren. Can anyone ask for anything else in a life? I suppose we could ask to life forever.......and in fact.....that is exactly what he is doing now in the Glory of God, with all the others who have gone before him and with those who will follow...including ourselves. Thank You Sebastian for impacting my life and making me a better person through your example. I will never forget you.

Condolences and hugs to the entire Lofaro extended familia. My heart is with you and while his absence is heart crushing, he is fully restored with a perfect body in Christ. Love you all.

May You Rest In Peace Buster !!! You will never be forgotten.

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Lofaro. Growing up I just lived around the corner from Mr. and Mrs. Lofaro. Mr. Lofaro fixed my blessed mother statue that I got from my grandmother and I have attached a picture of it. It is simply beautiful. I keep it on my dresser. This was about 15 years ago. Prayers for the family especially Mrs. Lofaro. God has called one of his angels home.
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It is with a saddened Heart that we offer our sincere condolences to your families at the loss of such a wonderful person. We never truly know who we touch in our lives yet Mr. Lafaro was one of those rare people who did. He was always supportive of his family and friends. We became a extended part of the family through being a part of his son’s life. Thanks Sir for being such a great example. Chuck & Patty

Our condolences on the loss of this wonderful man. He is remembered fondly. He was a kind , caring and loving individual who truly loved his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. May our Lord grant you comfort in your time of sorrow.

I will.miss my Zio very much. To my Zia. I love you very much and you will be in my prayers.. To all my cousins and their family. You will be in my prayers.

Our thoughts remain with you and your family at this time. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time. – The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations