In Memoriam

Michel Del Buono (1947-2025)

Michel Del Buono passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was 78 years old.

Born in San Bartolomeo in Galdo, Italy, on February 20, 1947, to Costantino Del Buono and Mafalda Iannantuono, Michel’s early years were marked by resilience and hope. At the age of six, he emigrated with his parents and two younger sisters Josee and Angie to Canada, where his father worked as a farmer on an apple orchard. From those humble beginnings, Michel’s curiosity and intellect carried him far.

He attended high school in Montreal and graduated from Collège Sainte-Croix before earning his Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Accounting from McGill University. It was there that he met the love of his life, Yolande G. Barath. The two began a partnership that would span continents and decades. Michel continued his academic journey at Cornell University, earning a Ph.D. in International Economics—an achievement that reflected his deep compassion for improving lives around the world. During those years, his first son, Michel, was born.

After completing his doctorate, Michel began his career at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., where he devoted his life to fostering economic development in some of the world’s most impoverished regions. His first daughter Yoli was born shortly after he started at the World Bank. His work took him across South America and Africa, including four memorable years in Lomé, Togo. Upon their return to Washington, his second daughter Catherine was born. His children always remained the greatest pride of his life.

Following his retirement from the World Bank, Michel continued to serve through the United Nations Development Program, the African Development Bank, and other development and aid organizations. His efforts spanned Africa (Somalia, Mozambique, Liberia, Kenya), the Middle East (Iraq, Jordan), and Asia (Afghanistan, Sri Lanka)—sacrificing time at home to make a lasting difference abroad. Wherever he went, he formed enduring friendships, sharing stories and his deep love of good food and fine wine.

A true citizen of the world, Michel spoke multiple languages, read voraciously, and embraced every culture he encountered. He believed in learning from others and in celebrating life’s simple joys: a conversation over a shared meal, a glass of wine at sunset, a book that opened the mind.

Michel faced his final year with extraordinary courage, continuing to travel and visit those he loved. His optimism never wavered. He lived life to the fullest, and his legacy endures in the countless lives he touched.

He is survived by his beloved children—Michel, Yoli, and Catherine—and by his six adoring grandchildren, who were the light of his later years. He will be deeply missed by his family, extended relatives, and many friends around the world.

Submitted by son, Michel Del Buono, Jr.