Rev. Msgr. Peter P. Buchignani
Deceased: 2023-10-17
Diocese: MEMPHIS
Seminary Graduation Year: 1966
CSM Graduation Year: 1973
Msgr. Peter P. Buchignani died on October 17, 2023, after prolonged health issues. He was born on May 3, 1940, as the second of twin boys and the fourth of five children. After graduation from CBHS, he attended seminary in St. Mary, KY, and completed his theological studies at the North American College in Rome, Italy, where he was ordained a Catholic priest on December 18, 1965, at the Basilica of St. Peter. In 1966 he returned to Memphis to begin his priestly duties, which spanned over 50 years and more than 20 parishes. After the Diocese of Memphis was established in 1971, he returned to Rome for further study and obtained a degree in Canon Law in 1973. In addition to his parish assignments, he served as Vicar General of the Diocese and on many other diocesan committees and boards. He was elevated to Monsignor in 1987 and Protonotary Apostolic in 2009 and won too many awards and Hall of Fame inductions to name here. Over the many years and parishes, he taught, baptized, married or buried hundreds, if not thousands, of parishioners, and he was known for his timeless devotion to the Church, his gifted preaching, and his ability to connect with people. He had a zest for life and a great sense of humor. His “earthlier” passions included watching the Dallas Cowboys and the NY Yankees, but most especially, playing and watching GOLF. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard G. Buchignani, Sr., and Margaret Weber Buchignani, and his eldest brother, Fr. Richard G. Buchignani. He is survived by his twin brother, Paul P. Buchignani, Sr., brother Albert Buchignani (Linda), sister Margaret W. Buchignani; three nephews: Dan Buchignani (Stella), Paul P. Buchignani II, and Brian Buchignani; one niece, Mary Buchignani Hemphill (John); and two great-nephews: Charles Buchignani and Nicolai Buchignani. Visitation will be at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, October 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, October 25, at 10 a.m., at the Cathedral, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery. The funeral Mass will be streamed on Facebook on the page for the “Catholic Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee.” In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Diocese of Memphis for the seminarians’ fund or for the priests’ retirement fund, or to St. Francis of Assisi School for the Monsignor Peter P. Buchignani Endowment Fund to provide tuition assistance for families.
