John J. Buczynski

Funeral arrangements are being conducted by Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, MA. Calling hours will be Friday, Feb. 3, from 4-6 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Highland Baptist Church, 19 Cedar St., Fitchburg, MA on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Gideons International or Rumney Bible Conference, both of which share John’s passion for extending the love of Christ to those who need to hear the gospel message.



John J Buczynski- 92 On January 26, 2017, Rev. John J Buczynski finished his work and “went home” to the place the Lord had prepared for him, and to be reunited with Polly, the love of his life, who predeceased him in 2012. John and twin sister, Jane, were born in Northbridge, MA, the youngest children of Ignatz and Amelia Buczynski, joining six older siblings. John left school before high school to help support the family. At age 17, John joined the US Navy, and served in the Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII. While stationed in Pensicola, FL, John made the single most important decision of his life, accepting Jesus as his personal savior. Serving on the Island of Manus in Papua New Guinea, John sensed the Lord was calling him into the ministry. Despite his concerns about his lack of formal education, he stepped out in faith to pursue that goal. In the second most important decision of his life, John married Pauline Johnson in Aug. 1946. Together they entered the Missionary Training Institute in Nyack, NY. Three children later, in 1952, John accepted his first pastorates in East Dixfield and Dixfield Commons, ME. In the years that followed, he pastored in West Peru, ME, Preston City, CT, and Rumney, NH, before arriving at Beth Eden Baptist Church, Fitchburg, MA in Dec. 1968. In Aug. 1979, the Buczynskis moved to Wichita Falls, TX, where John became the Minister of Outreach and Counseling at Northwest Christian Center. They returned to New England in 1984, accepting a call from First Baptist Church in West Townsend, MA. After 10 years in West Townsend, John “retired”. However, he was called out of retirement to serve the Lord for another 9 years, this time at Elm Street Congregational Church in Fitchburg. He was awarded the title of Pastor Emeritus on Feb. 1, 2004. Beyond that, John continued to preach by invitation in a number of area churches. During John’s years in the Fitchburg area, he also served as a chaplain at Burbank Hospital, offering prayer and encouragement to countless patients. Though most comfortable behind the pulpit, John also loved to perform Gospel Magic, not only in churches, but for social and civic organizations as well. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. Over the years, John served two terms as president of the Conservative Baptist Association of CT, and was on the National Advisory Committee for the Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary in Denver. He was also president of the Evangelical Ministers’ Associations of both Eastern CT and Central NH. John was an avid reader, and amassed an impressive personal library. Though never pursuing seminary degrees, John was undeniably a learned theologian, owing to decades of self-initiated Bible study, a commitment he sought to foster in the members of his congregations. In his leisure time, John dabbled in art and photography, and was seldom without pets to share his life. John is survived by his two daughters, Priscilla (David) Rocker, and Dr. Ruth Buczynski, and one son, Stephen (Susan) Buczynski, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He also leaves his twin sister, Jane Nickelson and numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by beloved wife, Pauline, four older brothers and two older sisters. The family would like to thank all those who have compassionately tended to John in recent years, most notably Diana Baer’s team at Always There Home Care. Special thanks to Annette, Amy and Lisa, who John referred to as “his girls”.