Silvio Buscema

Silvio "Sal" Buscema, 89, of Gainesville, Virginia, went to be with Jesus on January 24, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and renowned comic book illustrator, Sal leaves behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and unwavering devotion to his family. Born on January 26, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Sal was the son of John Buscema and Sadie Buscema. He grew up alongside his siblings Alfred, John, and Carol. From an early age, Sal displayed a remarkable talent for art that would shape the course of his life. He attended the High School of Music & Art in Manhattan, where he honed his skills and nurtured his passion for illustration. After completing his education, Sal served honorably in the U.S. Army for two years. His first year was spent at Fort Dix in New Jersey, his second at Fort Belvoir in Northern Virginia, the region in which he ultimately decided to settle and begin his career. Once he completed basic training, he landed a job as an illustrator for the Army. Following his military service, Sal embarked on a professional journey that would leave an indelible mark on the world of comics. He began as an illustrator with Creative Arts Studio in Washington, D.C., which is where he met Joan Timmons, who was working there as a secretary. Their first date was Valentine's Day, 1959. He proposed to Joan two weeks later, and they married the following year, on May 14, 1960. After several years with Creative Arts, Sal joined Design Center in Washington, D.C. Shortly after leaving Design Center, in 1968, he joined Marvel Comics—a move that would define his professional legacy. Over more than four decades with Marvel, Sal illustrated titles and characters including Captain America, Spider-Man, The Hulk, Thor, The Avengers, The Defenders, Rom Spaceknight, and countless others. His dynamic style and storytelling prowess earned him admiration from fans around the globe and cemented his place as one of the industry's most influential artists. Beyond his professional achievements, Sal was a man deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; sons Joe (daughter-in-law Gina), Tony (daughter-in-law Paige), and Mike (daughter-in-law Liz); and grandchildren Kayla, Gianna, Aida, Jake, and Katie. To them—and to all who knew him—Sal was a source of strength, warmth, unrelenting humor, and unconditional love. Sal also had a passion for community theater, where he enjoyed acting and singing lead roles in several shows, including “The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “The Music Man,” “1776,” and, most notably, for four different theater companies, “Fiddler on the Roof.” Bowling was another favorite pastime that brought him joy throughout the years. In the early 1980s, Sal experienced what he considered a major spiritual turning point when he made the decision to believe in and receive Jesus Christ as his Redeemer and Lord. He became an active member of Burke Lake Assembly of God—later known as Trinity Assembly of God and then Jubilee Christian Center—where he found fellowship and deepened his faith. A private funeral service honoring Sal’s life will be held. Sal’s greatest pride was not only in the pages he illustrated but in the lives he touched—especially those of his family members, whom he cherished above all else. His memory will live on through them and through the vast body of work that continues to inspire generations. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew, admired, and loved him.

Silvio Buscema

January 26, 1936 - January 24, 2026