Joseph Bart Budetti, 81, passed away on December 11^th in Olathe, Kansas. He was born in Yonkers, New York to Dr. Joseph Budetti and Elsie Lauricella Budetti on January 11, 1943.

Bart grew up in Hollywood, Florida then started his education path at the University of Miami. He completed his degree in Political Science at Wichita State University. He went on to become a social worker in NYC in the 1960s. His pursuit of justice led him to the University of Texas Law School, where he graduated with Honors. He then returned to the area he grew up in, becoming the city attorney for Hollywood and Hallandale, Florida before becoming a county attorney for Broward County. This led to his appointment as a Broward County judge, where he presided for 9 years. He then attended University of Missouri-Kansas City to earn a graduate degree in law. His career ended with serving 21 years as the Senior Assistant City Attorney for Overland Park.

Bart was devoted to public service. Two professional accomplishments he was most proud of were being instrumental in implementing smoking restrictions in public spaces and helping acquire land for the development of the Overland Park Arboretum. He loved riding (and collecting) bikes and completed RAGBRAI (bike ride across Iowa) for several years. NPR was a constant in his car, crime shows, old movies, and Monk were always on his tv, and books about word origins or strange facts were always at his side.

Bart’s grandchildren were his greatest source of joy. He was immensely proud of all of them and their continued commitment to making the world a better place. His favorite place was with all his family at Beaver Lake.  He loved the annual 4^th of July cakewalk and would bring rolls of quarters, ensuring our family always had the greatest haul (despite not eating cake himself).

Bart is survived by his five children, Tony (Marty) Budetti, Brett Budetti, Vanessa Budetti, Tara Budetti (Sean McCaffrey), and Wendy Budetti (Brett Hoedl), thirteen grandchildren: Anna, Alyssa, Sam, Lauricella, Julia, Sonia, Gavin, Ava, Skylar, Eli, Lizzie, Vivian, and Veronica; two great grandchildren, brother Peter Budetti, sisters Marie Norris, Dori Budetti; and an extended family of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 2pm on January 11, 2025, at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Bart’s favorite causes: The Overland Park Arboretum and The ACLU of Kansas.