His father Rafael Buscaglia was a lawyer, banker and an influential political figure within the ranks of The Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico.

The family lived in the Santurce neighborhood of San Juan and also had a farm in Comerío, a town located in the central mountains of the island.

On one occasion when he was six years old, his father went on a trip to New York City and brought back a box of modeling clay as a gift for his young son.

His principal works include: On July 31, 2004, In Providence, Rhode Island, the Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival Organization presented José Buscaglia Guillermety with the "Artistic Excellence Award".

Buscaglia is married to Inés Salgado Nieves (San Juan, 1940) and has five children: José, Rafael (1965-2017), Gian Carlo, Gina María, and Piero.