In Loving Memory of Duston “Dusty” Buswell
February 18th, 1992 – April 11, 2025
Friday, April 11th, 2025, Duston Buswell passed peacefully, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, curiosity, and a life deeply grounded in what mattered most. Dusty was a man of quiet depth. Resilient, wise, and endlessly curious, he had a mind always reaching for understanding, a heart full of love, and a soul drawn to the stars. He found wonder in space and the unknown, always seeking, always dreaming.
For 12 years, Dusty dedicated himself to the animals and team at the Pinellas Animal Hospital, where he took great pride in his role within the kennels. He was deeply fulfilled by his work in animal care and held immense pride in the effort he poured into every day. His coworkers became a second family to him, and it was there—among the wagging tails and quiet moments of care—that he met Darciella. They worked side by side and have been together ever since, building a life rooted in love, purpose, and shared compassion.
March 18th 2021, Dusty married the love of his life, Darciella. Theirs was a dreamy, intuitive kind of love—comforting, ever-present, and deeply in tune. That following year they welcomed their daughter, Vanessa, into their family through adoption, beginning a chapter full of laughter and togetherness. Though the year 2022 also brought Dusty’s cancer diagnosis, his spirit remained unbroken. He and Darciella had shared nearly ten years of life side-by-side by the time he passed—a full decade of unwavering connection, the kind of fairytale love that grows deeper with time and never loses its magic.
Dusty was a man of many passions—an avid gamer, a devoted gardener, a seeker of knowledge, and someone who loved his wife, his daughter, and the animals he cared for with his whole heart. Whether exploring vast digital worlds or nurturing life in his garden, he found beauty in creation and solace in the natural world. He had an unshakable calmness and a grounding presence that brought peace to those around him.
He is survived by his beloved wife Darciella, daughter Vanessa, his Mom Tonya Buswell, father figure Terry, uncle Michael Buswell, Grandmother Connie Ledford, Great grandmother Zelda Thomas and siblings Deleena Buswell, Damon Buswell, Deliahla Buswell, Joseph Dima and Feliciah Dima, Cousin Jeremiah Folsom, as well as the community that stood beside him. To know Dusty was to feel seen and quietly supported. He loved love, lived with integrity, and left behind a world better for having had him in it.
May he rest in peace, among the stars he so often pondered.
Tonya
April 17, 2025, 2:08 pm
I Miss you so very much Dusty!
I will always Love you and hold you in my heart forever!
I know you are resting peacefully now.
Your wings are so beautiful!
Love Always, Momma XOXO
Gene Rothermel
April 17, 2025, 4:36 pm
You will be missed dusty you were a great Man it was my pleasure to know you for you’re entire life till I see you again
Love Gene
Samantha, Niklaus and Finnick
April 17, 2025, 4:44 pm
I promise to take care of your girls Dusty. Your family is my family & we will always carry on your memory. The boys ask about you often and we share fond memories and photos.
We love you ! The skies are much more beautiful with you up there
Jessie
April 17, 2025, 9:16 pm
So many talk of those who have old souls, but few truly understand that means wisdom and knowledge. For as long as I knew Dusty, he had an observant nature and a quick smile. I don’t have a single memory of a quick response, but a thoughtful one, except in the moments of humor. The way he adored his wife with his eyes, so many search for and never find. Quiet eyes, and a lover of the innocent. May your legacy be wrapped around the ones you had to leave behind sweet boy.
Feliciah
April 17, 2025, 10:48 pm
I miss you so much big brother.
I will always love you and remember how you said you’d look out for me & protect me.
Your voice genuinely echoes in my soul reminding me to never give up no matter what.
This isn’t goodbye – it’s see you later.
Make sure to fluff a cloud for me to chill on up there.
– Your Little Sister <3
Jana S
April 18, 2025, 1:30 am
There will never be a replacement to the light that you shine in our world. We will look up in the night sky that you loved and know you are one of the stars shining down upon us. We miss you so much. We will love and nurture the pets here at the hospital in honor of you. Your bestest girls will always be cared for and protected. You were such an amazing man. Watching you transform into the man that you became was one of the greatest things I have ever seen. From being the fresh-faced kennel tech, to kennel manager, to a husband and then a father was an awe-inspiring journey. You have made your mark on all of us that were truly lucky to have known you. I’m one of the lucky ones that got to call you a friend. Rest easy and we got it from here. All my love and condolences to everyone.
Connie Stein
April 18, 2025, 10:12 pm
Dusty… The Best Son In Law a Mother can ask for her only Daughter. You kept every promise you made on your wedding day. From that day forward until your last breath I never had to worry about her. There should be more Men like you in this world. Although for a short time… I’m happy Darci and Vanessa got to experience the love of a Good Husband and Father. Rest easy Son. No more Pain Baby Boy.
Wendy
April 19, 2025, 12:16 am
Darci and Vanessa,
You already know what an amazing loving caring human, husband, and father Dusty was so I’m not gonna try to explain all that I’m just praying for you both to have the peace that Dusty so wanted you to have! Live life for him!
He loves you so much! If you need anything that I could help with please let me know.
Love you both!