Community grieves for Busceme

Published 3:42 pm Monday, September 25, 2017

Longtime businessman and philanthropist Carlo Busceme III left a lasting impression on those he met and even those who didn’t know him personally.

“He was, in a lot of ways, the heart of the community and was involved in so many things in so many ways that many people felt they knew him,” JoRita Lyle, Busceme’s sister, said. “He was so very open. If you were with him he’d give you his undivided attention and respect. There’s a collective, heartbroken feeling in the community right now. As a family, we hope his legacy lives on and all who knew and loved him continue to be like Carlo.”

Busceme, 65, died Sept. 21. He was president of the Texas Coffee Company in Beaumont, which is also known for TexJoy seasonings and Seaport Coffee.

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“He had a hug for everyone young and old,” Darragh Castillo with the Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau said. “He lived down the street from me.”

Castillo said lightning once struck an oak tree in her front yard and left debris about the ground. Busceme knocked on her door and presented her with a gift—a gift made from the tree that had been struck.

“He said, ‘I made artwork out of the tree. I thought you would like a commemorative piece of art.’ I thought it was remarkable.”

Castillo said that if Busceme were in a room, one would want to go to him and get a hug.

Her description of Busceme’s personality is echoed in his obituary penned by his family.

“Carlo Busceme III had a magnetism that drew in people from every walk of life. The outpouring of love that we have seen since his passing is a testament to this,” his obituary on Broussard’s Mortuary website reads. “His beautiful personality created bonds of friendship that lasted from early childhood throughout his life. At each stage of his journey he has continued to develop and nurture lasting friendships.”

Broussard’s Mortuary website had numerous postings of condolences for Busceme’s family; some called him a gentle compassionate soul who enriched their lives the day they met him; of how he touched so may lives making each one feel special and unique; and some said they were privileged to have called him friend.

Busceme moved into the business world right after college with the creation of Carlo’s Restaurant. Again, his personality was a part of his success. He later sold the restaurant and went to work at the Texas Coffee Company, making his way through every department until his father retired and he became president.

Busceme was involved in many organizations including Sabine Area Restaurant Association, Sales and Marketing Executives Club, Magnolia Cemetery, Southeast Texas Arts Council, The Symphony of Southeast Texas, The Art Studio Inc., The Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont Community Players and more.

Busceme was also a faithful Catholic who attended daily Mass and was a weekly adorer in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at St. Anne Catholic Church in Beaumont.

He is survived by his son, Carlo J. Busceme IV and his wife, Larena; parents, Charlene and Carlo J. Busceme, Jr.; brothers, Anthony Paul Busceme, Sr. and his wife, Karie; and Gregory Joseph Busceme, Sr. and his wife, Sheila; sister, JoRita Busceme Lyle and her husband, Steve; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.Tuesday at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Ave., Beaumont, with his interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77704; or to Art Studio Inc., 720 Franklin Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701.