Roman Smith Buruca

Roman Smith Buruca, 52, passed away on Friday, December 23rd, 2022, with his wife and son by his side following a courageous battle with cancer. Roman was born in Yucuaiquin, El Salvador on February 7th, 1970, the son of the late Mercedes Buruca and Mary Betty (Garcia) Buruca. He is survived by his wife Amy (Madeiros) Buruca, and his son Christian Roman Buruca; his brother Edwin Buruca and his wife Rosa (Calix) Buruca of Dallas, TX; his sister Alida (Buruca) Gonzalez and her husband Moises Gonzalez; his brother Elio Buruca and his wife Sara, and his sister Paty Buruca, all of El Salvador. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

His Father fled to the United States in the 1980’s to help find a better future for his family, as the civil war began and brought hard economic times and a torn country. Roman came over to the United States in 1984 when he was 14 to also look for a better future and to help his family. He lived with his father and his brother Edwin in Houston, TX, where he continued his education as he was still too young to work. In 1986, he then left Houston to go live with his Aunt Mirna in Chelsea, Ma., for many years, as there were more job opportunities. 

Roman held a few jobs, but once he entered the restaurant field, this is where he found his passion. He worked in several different restaurants, with the most recent position at Tony C’s in Somerville, Mass where he took pride and worked very hard as the executive chef. He was admired by all he worked with no matter where he was. When Roman became ill and was diagnosed with Lymphoma in May of 2020, he began treatment immediately and was no longer able to return to work.

Roman and his Wife Amy met in 1996, where they were both line cooks at a restaurant. They later purchased their home in Salem, N.H. in 2005. They welcomed their Son, Christian Roman on November 19th, 2013. When Romans health started to decline, they realized the wedding plans they had, may not take place. On November 4th, 2022 they were Married and had a beautiful private ceremony with their families. Roman enjoyed taking trips with his family, especially day trips to the beach, and any tropical destination they visited. He also took much pride in taking care of his home and family and became a jack of all trades over the years.  Above all, he enjoyed raising his son, teaching him about his culture, background, and family values. Roman was also was very patient with helping Christian build Lego sets from a very young age. Christian can now build them on his own, and is very creative building his own ideas. Everything Roman did, he made sure he taught Christian.

Family and Friends are invited to visiting hours on Tuesday, January 3rd from 4-7PM at the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home 42 Main Street, Salem NH. There will be a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, January 4th at 10:30AM in St. Joseph Church, 40 Main Street, Salem NH. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem, NH immediately following the Mass. To leave an online condolence, please visit Roman’s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

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