Martha M. Buffo
Martha M. Buffo, who founded the outreach program at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Bridgehampton, died at her home in that hamlet on Friday, surrounded by family. She was 81 years old and had been diagnosed with lung cancer several months ago.
Mrs. Buffo was born in Brooklyn on Dec. 3, 1943, to Joseph Vaccarino and the former Francesca Ferrara, and grew up there, graduating from the former Brooklyn High School for Homemaking. She later earned an associate’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology and became a cosmetology teacher for the Suffolk Board of Cooperative Educational Services in Northport, where she taught hair styling for more than 18 years.
In September 1957, she married Gerard C. Buffo, whom she met in Brooklyn. The couple moved to East Northport to raise their four children, and to Bridgehampton in 1994 after the children were grown.
Mr. Buffo said his wife began the church’s outreach program two years later, visiting ill and housebound members of the congregation to bring them Communion, food, and companionship. Her family said she was “always an advocate for the poor and disenfranchised. She spent her life reaching out to those in need.” The world, they said, “is a better place as a result of her life.”
Mrs. Buffo, they added, was a wonderful cook and was devoted to her grandchildren, who range in age from 9 to 28.
In addition to her husband of nearly 60 years, she is survived by her children, Dr. Gerard Buffo of Lenox, Mass., Mary Buffo and Francesca Buffo of Bridgehampton, and Elizabeth Cassone of Sag Harbor. She also leaves a sister, Concetta Salzano of Far Rockaway, and eight grandchildren.
A funeral Mass was said at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church on Tuesday, officiated by Msgr. Ronald Richardson, a family friend and the pastor there for many years. Burial was at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church cemetery on Cedar Street in East Hampton. Memorial contributions have been suggested to East End Hospice, with more information online at eeh.org.