Michael A. Buono

Michael A. Buono, age 75, of Highland Indiana passed away unexpectedly on Saturday May 7, 2022.

He is survived by his brother Ronald Buono, sister-in-law Shirley Buono, & brother-in-law Arthur Davis Sr.

Nieces: Tresa Frazier (Scott), Trelsa Davis, Nina Korckeck (Joe), Holly Sundal, Frances Pruette, Shelly Lomax (James) and Debbie Goodale.

Nephews: Arthur Davis Jr (Corrie) and Chirstopher (Alice) Buono and many great-nieces, nephews and cousins.

Caring, supportive friends Jim & Diane Roumbos and Tina Rice along countless other ‘family by choice’ members.

Preceded in death by his parents; father Jack and loving mother Sophie Buono and siblings Joseph Buono, Tina Askew, Jack Buono and Diane Davis.

He was the youngest of six children born June 28, 1946 to Italian-immigrant parents and grew up in the Hammond and East Chicago harbor area. Lovingly raised in his formative years by his grandparents, Michael’s first language was Italian, and it wasn’t until entering kindergarten that he learned to speak English.

As a young teen, Michael joined the Job Corps and became a firefighter. He also served with our United States Army in Vietnam. Upon discharge, he took a job with Inland Steel, was a proud USW Local 1010 member and eventually retired after more than 30 years.

Mike’s memory of people, places and events was unmatched. He loved to share stories of his experiences as the youngest of six siblings, his time in the Army and his tenure at the mill.
He never failed to pepper these conversations with physical animations to fully convey the humor of the story.

Mike was a collector of various items and had a working understanding of each and every item in these collections. He could share the origin and history of numerous gadgets & gizmos having gained the knowledge through his love of reading. His interests were varied and wide but most of all, he had a love of learning.

His sense of humor would appear in the middle of a story and always caught his listeners off-guard. ‘Never saw the punch line coming’ was said numerous times. As they say; Real life is the funniest of all, and Mikey could find the humor in most of his life-experiences.

Mikey was a caring and generous man who enjoyed sharing gifts with his closest friends and family. He loved wandering the local garage sales & flea markets and when he happened across an item that reminded him of someone special in his life, he bought it on the spot.
While he was good at keeping the secret, he did enjoy building the anticipation with his targeted recipients, and usually within the first few minutes of a phone call he would excitedly exclaim “I’ve got a little something for you!’ but no amount of pleading could convince him to reveal the surprise.

Mikey touched many lives, always in a positive manner. Without his shining light, our world is that much dimmer. His smile, laugh & unique ways will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd, Highland, IN 46322 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm with a funeral service at 12:30 pm. Burial at Calumet Park Cemetery. For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke-Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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