Bernard “BJ” Edward Buba

November 19, 1972 – June 29, 2026

Bernard Edward Buba, a resident of Cromwell, Connecticut, passed away on June 29, 2026, at the age of 53. Born on November 19, 1972, in Norwalk, Connecticut, BJ was the cherished son of Bernard Johann Buba and Corinne Helfant. He spent his formative years growing up in Stratford before his family relocated to Cromwell during his high school years. A talented man with a lifelong passion for the culinary arts, BJ pursued his calling at Southern New Hampshire University (formerly the New Hampshire Culinary College), where he proudly earned his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and was a proud member of Kappa Delta Phi.

BJ dedicated over twenty years of his life as a Chef for the Whitson Culinary Group, building a respected career defined by hard work and a genuine love for his craft. To BJ, food was more than a profession—it was a language of love and passion. He found great joy in preparing beautiful meals and sharing them with the family and friends he held dear.

To those who knew him best, BJ was a gentle, kind-hearted soul with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten any room. BJ loved to spend time outdoors and cherished experiencing all the beauties mother nature has to offer with the ones he loved. He enjoyed going to concerts and music that moved his soul.  By far his most favorite was seeing the music of the Grateful Dead and sharing that experience with hundreds of people.

 Above all his achievements, both personal and professional, BJ’s greatest pride, his truest joy, and his self-professed best accomplishment in life was his beloved daughter, Hayley. The bond they shared was a testament to his deep capacity for love.

BJ leaves behind family and friends who adored and loved him. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Hayley Buba Ferraro, and her husband, Joey; his mother, Corinne Helfant; his sisters, Melody Buba (Edward) and Tamara Schultz (Raymond); and his nephew, Jacob Schultz. BJ was preceded in death by his father Bernard Buba; his niece, Rachael Schultz and his beloved fiancé, Deanna Ruffino.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm to honor BJ’s life and legacy at the Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell, CT 06416.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com