What a great story. I always felt bad for her but it sounds like she has it all together and then some!!! Good for her and good luck to her and her new husband in the future. Joey was a waste of time.

And why shouldn’t she be over it? It’s the media that blows things out of proportion and keeps tabs on little harlots like Amy Fischer. The media assumes we want to know about the dirty tapes and what they’re doing now. Uh yeah…the answer is NO. I’m glad Mary Jo has moved on. I hope she never awakens in the middle of the night because of a nightmare from that hellish day. God bless her.

Good for her! I am glad she has not let that pathetic excuse for a man keep her down!!!! Good luck Mary Jo!

I am very happy to hear that she is doing so well. Its nice to read an enlightening story amongst all the negative ones that roam the news these days. It inspires me to know that sometimes things can turn around and get better after so much pain. Good for her!! well written. Thank you!!!

God bless Mary Jo. I know that God can take you through anything. She is a perfect example of a virtuous woman. Forgive and move on. I pray her latter days are better than her former, and that she will receive all that she desires.

I can’t say that I would be as strong as she has been through this whole thing. I was the same age that her daughter was when she got shot in 1992, and I could only imagine how difficult this whole thing has been for not only her but for her Children as well. I dont think that I would of ever been able to forgive the women that shot me in the head, We can all learn a big lesson from this. You can’t move on if you aren’t willing to forgive, she is a good inspiration for everyone. I wish her all of the best things in the future, and as far as Joey and Amy, I am sorry to say but eventually you guys will get what is coming to you Maryjo might not be around to see but trust me your is coming.

Ashleigh, that was a super profile of a woman who has gone thru hell and back. It’s heartwarming. I never thought she would be able to turn her life around. Coming from Long Island and now living in St. Louis, we heard about her and her story day in and day out.

I am thrilled she left Joey and is moving on. I wish her the best of luck with her new man and loads of happiness. If anyone deserves it, she does. She is one beautiful lady.

Very nice article, Ashleigh – glad you gave this woman the credit she deserves. Karma, folks – it’s all about what you do and how you live your life.

Classy lady.

Good for her. Good luck and god bless Mary Jo! She deserves far better then that loser Joey. May she find all the happiness and good fortune that she so deserves.

You are what we call a REAL WOMAN and a REAL LADY. God Bless you. You are trully an ANGEL…

Interesting that a person who is “over it” continues to talk to the media. Is there another book coming out soon?

MARY JO, JUST TAKE LIL STEPS AND THE LORD WILL TAKE THE BIG ONES, GOD BLESS U AND YOUR NEW MAN AND LIFE.
NIKKI

Good for her!
It is not healthy to carry the toxic feelings of blame, and other emotions around for very long. Forgiveness is so liberating.

Remembering Good Friday in Portland Oregon.

That was truly an inspirational story of triumph over adversity. Once one door closes another ones, I am so glad that she is blessed and happy! Thank you for sharing….

I know Mary Jo (and her future husband) and have always had the utmost respect for her. She showed incredible class and dignity throughout this entire episode. She could have been bitter and wallowing in self pity, instead she is an incredibly caring human being who has put the past behind her.

Good luck and God Bless Mary Jo!!!

It is good to hear you are doing well!!!

Blessings on a happy and fulfilling marriage!!

This is a great and uplifting story. She refuses to let her ex-husband and his lover ruin the rest of her life.

What a woman to be admired. I do believe myself, that in order to move on, we sometimes have to be forgiving. God bless her, in her new life.
She is a woman to be admired!!!!

She looks amazing. IT’s still part of her history, so maybe that’s why she’s till talking about it. It’s been a few years since my ex-boyfriend dumped me for drugs (no I didn’t know about the drugs, I found then, confronted him and was dumped). I still talk about it because frankly, I just can’t believe it happened and it’s something that made me who I am today – a much stronger person.

Wow! I wouldn’t have recognized her at all. I’m happy for you, Mary Jo!

She did waste time in living with this man and defending him after she was shot.
They took plenty of time from her..
It was so hard to watch her stand by him and defend him for months and months after she was shot..
So glad she came to this point..and they arn’t robbing her of one second more..

Why didn’t she change her last name? Mary Jo Smith wouldn’t attract any attention. Why honor a pig by using his name?

I am so blessed to have a mother like Mary Jo. She has taught me so many important lessons in life, that I would have NEVER learned had Amy had succeeded in murdering her. She is my hero and my best friend. Thank you Ashleigh for saying so many nice things, and to all the others leaving comments as well. It really means a lot to my mother Mary Jo and I. xoxo

I am impressed. Mary Jo, your life will be blessed because you are willing to forgive. Something we all should do! Don’t let ugly words or comments ever drag you down. You are an inspiration and I admire you.

Good for you. Your experience calls to mind a line from Forrest Gump, to paraphrase it “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”

You experienced an extreme type of adversity in a situation (marriage) where you should not have, and to paraphrase a song from Simply Red, “look at you now!”

You go Mary Jo!

The Rickster

I remember back when this happened. I think she stood up for her husband because that is what a wife is “suppose to do” or so we are taught.

Thankfully she has moved on and looks absolutely beautiful.

As for X and the shooter whose names arent worth mentioning..both of them could have done better things with their lives but continue to ride the coattails of their victim, Mary Jo….waste of air I say.

Thanks for the great insight to a wonderful woman.

NICE GOING MARY JO!! I wish you much happiness and love.

You look gorgeous, Mary Jo! May God bless your marriage!

I’m born and raised on Long Island and still live here. it’s a GREAT place to live. So why does the media have to keep bringing up this tawdry story every few months for the past 16 years ? ! ALL the players in this sordid affair have made MONEY off of this story, and are ALL no good !

Unfortunately, because of the media, when someone learns your from Long island, almost the first question from them is: “Do YOU know the Buttafuocos ? ! ”

THANK GOODNESS I DON’T !

Let this story die and write something GOOD about Long island for a change.

She looks radiantly beautiful! She deserves all the happiness in the world, and I hope she has finally found that. Good luck to you Mary Jo and your future husband; afterall, you won’t have to carry the “brand” of Buttafucco any longer. Much success to you…

I thought he was a loser all along. Good for her.

There is only one person that you can control in this world,
and that is yourself.
Mary Jo showed the world that she controlled herself and came out on top!!
Congratulations!!

I agree w/a comment from “lil a”, the media brings the Buttafucco’s and Amy Fisher back to us again and again and mostly to re-spin the past tragedy, but then again if they hadn’t I would have never known about the real Mary Jo Buttafucco. A few years ago, I watched the interviews about the three of them meeting up again and I was amazed to hear Mary Jo’s forgiving statements to Amy Fischer and her ex-husband Joey. He was such a jerk that he eventually walked off the set because he still could not stand up for the part he played in all that but Mary Jo just let it slide and tried to quickly give Amy some words of wisdom before they departed. I know what it means to be a good Christain after watching Mary Jo. God bless her and I sincerely wish her the best in life from now on!

What a class act Mary Jo is. How she could be married to a buffoon like Joey Buttafuaco is beyond me.I wish her all the best.

Good for her. She was, is, and always will be better than those other two.

I have to say that when the shooting first happened and Mary Jo stood by her husband, I thought she was a fruitcake!! Over the years I have read articles and her interviews and more and more I realized she was a victim in that whole mess. Mary Jo is someone to be looked up to, what a caring and forgiving woman she is!! She is not a victim anymore, and I hope her children realize what a strong mother they have. You are right Ashleigh, she is more beautiful; inside and out. Sorry Joey, you will never ever be as classy as Mary Jo.

I am so happy that Mary Jo is so strong. I wish that I could get some advice from her on how she got that way!! The best of everything to you, Mary Jo!

Why doesn’t she change her last name already?

I’m truly pleased for Mary Jo and wish her every good thing possible in the years to come. What a great story!

I am happy to see Mary Jo choosing her own path and, apparently, doing well.I have no idea what she saw in her former husband.

She made her own second chance. God bless you, Mary Jo.

Mary Jo is an amazing person. I don’t know anyone that could deal w/the cards she has been dealt with such dignity. She is truly an amazing woman that should be an example to all people. Forgiveness is genuine. The ability to be able to forgive like she has done is unheard of today. She deserves the best life has to offer, that’s for sure. Kudos to you, Mary Jo-you deserve it all and more!

First, three cheers for Mary Jo. She has done something great.

Can we please have more stories like this in the media?

I know many people out there who deal with pain, and move on to live happy and healthy lives. I believe people want to hear these stories, be inspired by them and achieve happiness in their lives. But instead focusing on all thats wrong, weird raises the negativity in American society. And thus a nation filled with optimistic, dedicated people turns into a nation where significant chunks cannot even deal with their emotions directly, and are on prescription meds.

Why does the media want to promote the negativity factor, when it can chose not too? And going by the above responses people want to hear about it, and be inspired by these stories.

You say, “I expected a –rightfully– angry woman to rail against the man who ruined her life…” but I think you got it wrong. Joey didn’t ruin her life. She faced the storm, and weathered it nicely, and now one hopes she’ll have the smooth sailing she deserves.

Mary Jo , I wish you all the happiness and always remember look to the future and be happy. You deserve it. God bless you,your future husband and children.

Good for her…I was caught up in the drama that was her life many years ago and remeber it very well. She overcame so much and has clearly moved on with her dignity and pride in tact. I am so glad to finally hear a good thing come from this story, we only seem to hear about the crazy and low life publicity stunts of her Ex and Amy Fisher. Way to overcome Mary Jo!!

I love stories with happy endings, but, hopefully, this one will also be a happy beginning for Mary Jo in her new marriage!

It is great to know that she is happy and moving on with her life. I remember growing up in NJ and being in High School when all this happened. It was all the lunch table would talk about.

Jessie- You are blessed with a wonderful Mom!!!
God bless and keep you! Happy Easter, Kiddo!!!
PS-Mary Jo- You look wonderful!!! Love, Kathy

Wow!! that is great and not only does she look hot and attractive now, but her heart and soul makes her beautiful. Those pathetic people that have gotten all the attention because…let’s face it…the media likes the bad….are nothing more than a horrid tale of moral disgrace. I praise the TRUE victim for having the courage to overcome the tragically hard times she has faced. Way to go Mary Jo.

Nice to see nice comments for a change, rather than people saying stupid things just looking for attention.

Its not easy to overcome the adversity that she has had to deal with or to forgive and forget and move on. I am glad that her life seems to be 1000 times better than Joey’s.. She deserves it. I am very happy for her. She does look great !!! You go girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How wonderfull,with all the garbadge in this world too read such a wonderfull story.Its a pleasure.This story is one hundred and eighty degrees above the rest. I loved it.God bless her and her new life.

First off….way to go Mary Jo I hope you live happily ever after. As far as HarshV’s comment regarding people living on anti depressants…get a life! Walk in “our” shoes before you make such comments! Stick to the subject at hand.

I lived in the same town as the Buttafuocos when this thing happened and had even taken my car a couple of times to Joey Buttafuoco’s establishment. Everyone was shocked and surprised at the entire event, and New Yorkers were absolutely obessed with this entire thing. I remember all the interviews with Mrs Buttafuoco and her now ex husband and how everyone was down on Amy Fischer……………

I admire Mrs. Buttafuoco for bravely being able to be healed physically and emotionally, and for understanding this one thing -

Bitterness and unforgiveness is a prison that you build in which you are both the warden and prisoner……..

Hey Daniel P from Long Island! Funny, if you think this is such a tawdry story, why did you read it? Don’t be such a hipocrite! Everyone is drawn to stories like this. Glad to see that Mary Jo is the bright side.
You go girl!

Kudos to Mary Jo, and Kudos to Ashleigh Banfield for being a journalist that would write and submit such a refreshing story. Far too often sensationalistic journalism fails us us individually and collectively. I hope this is the last I hear of the whole sordid event. What a happy and well written ending.

Good for her! An amazing example for everyone, most importantly – her kids.

Her story, her looks, are the best revenge.

Some victims of crime fall apart and never recover. Good for her for carrying on.

Truly inspiring! I had to comment after reading the post from Jessie.
What a gift your mother has given you. I was so pleased to see a positive outcome for both you Mary Jo and your children.

It’s amazing how life can be so wonderful if we let go of anger and think positively. Mary jo your work at overcoming this has not only helped yourself and your family but the american people as well. Thank you!

Thank God! So is the rest of the Planet.

Out with the old and in with the new! Spring brings wonderful things. Best of luck, now let’s stop talking about it.

God Bless you Mary Jo. May you now find that eternal love that you deserve!

So Joey and Amy are trying to make a living selling porn. No wonder Mary Jo is over them, they are not worth worrying about.

Herein lies part of the real reason for forgiving others; people who would do such abominable things are not people to hate, they are people to be pitied.

But it’s also a sad comment on our society that Joey Buttafuco could become a household name and sort of a celebrity after admitting sleeping with a teenager. Shame on us all for allowing that to happen.

Mary Jo is an inspiration. Living with that intense anger can destroy a person, I’m glad she was strong enough to forgive. I wish her all the best.

Write a book, Mary Jo, so I can send it to my sister with the enscription “Get over it already. It’s been six years. We’re all tired of hearing about him.”

It’s always good when I read stories like this. Excellent Mary Jo, and if I might add, you look beautiful.

Her new husband is one lucky man. She sounds like a great, great, woman. All best wishes to them both.

Wow, what a beautiful woman. I can’t believe she was married to that loser! His loss as far as I’m concerned — you go girl, you are gorgeous!

Good for Mary Jo. It is so fulfilling to have come through trauma and strife only to come stronger and at peace. To get to this point in life and be happy, content with yourself and in a relationship with both passion and companionship is a goal every woman should strive to achieve.

And as they say, “Living well is the best revenge.”

You go, girl!

Having known MaryJo all my life, it is nice to see her happy and rid of JOEY!

Duh? She is changing her name…she is getting married. Article is very nicely done, a breath of fresh air. This wasn’t about Long Island or where ever, so get over it.

To Salty, Annie, and anyone else who wonders why Mary Jo didn’t change her last name – please remember that, regardless of his flaws, Joey is the father of her children, and they, too, bear the Buttafuoco name. Their father may not be the person anyone would want him to be, but please, don’t disparage the whole family’s name because of one person’s action.

Congratulations to you, Mary Jo, for living your life courageously and not allowing yourself to be defined by others’ selfish actions. You’ve been a good role model for your children, and your actions will inform their relationships. Good luck to all of you.

She’s a better person than I would be in this situation. And she looks better now than she did before the shooting.

Mary Jo was truly a victim of circumstance. We should all admire and applaud such a gentle but strong woman. Be careful how we treat strangers for they may be angels unaware.

SO HAPPY FOR MARY JO BUT EVEN HAPPIER TO SEE THAT ANOTHER VICTIM, THEIR CHILD JESSIE HAS POSITIVELY PULLED THRU THIS TRAMA AND SEES THE STRENGTH AND GOODNESS IN MARY JO
GOD BLESS AND HAPPY EASTER TO MARY JO AND HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Shame on Joey. Mary Jo is a keeper and why he would cheat with someone like the Long Island Lolita is beyond any common sense.
I am happy that she has found a new husband who will appreciate her.

The old saying is definitely true, what goes around comes around. Mary Jo has done her share of suffering and deserves all the happiness in the world. She was too good for Joey anyway. He has nothing, so he has to grab whatever little crumb of publicity he can to live on. Good luck trying to find another woman as good as Mary Jo, buddy. You sure messed up!!!

MARYJO HAS THE RIGHT IDEA.THE BEST WAY TO GET BACK AT BUTTAFUCCO AND FISHER IS TO MOVE ON AND ENJOY HER NEW LIFE LEAVING THEM BOTH IN THE DUST.

My hat goes off to you Ashliegh for writing so beautifully about meeting Mary Jo.
And to Mary Jo for making the most out of her life and moving on!
God Bless great women like the two of you!

Reading this made my decade. Anger is a terrible weight to bear. Mary Jo is a wonderful example of Humanity. LIVE ON

Now that’s what I call a comeback! Kudos to you, Mary Jo, for rising above a tragedy with class.

God bless you Mary Jo. I wish you all the happiness in the world . I am so thankful that you have found someone that deserves you. You are a beautiful woman. I will continue to pray for you to have everything you deserve.

We have not heard what happened to this courageous lady because she has class, dignity, and self respect and chose to keep herself out of the limelite. The other two players in the story are still trying to cash in on her pain. Ms. Maryjo, you are an inspiration. I wish you so much happiness, prosperity and joy fine lady. Joey and Amy are their own worst enemies, and will in the end, get exactly what they deserve. You are not the victim, you are the winner, the beautiful flower risen from the ashes. God Bless you, and enjoy your new life. You deserve it!

Mary Jo is an inspiration. She illustrates an example of how one can overcome adversities, strive to carry on and live according to the “golden rule”. She deserves all the happiness that she in certainly entitled to. May you live “happily everafter”. You earned it!

Congratulations Mary Jo! You are a shining light for others to look up to. You would have given both of those JERKS the satisfaction they were looking for if you had elected to not forgive and move on with your life. My father always told me to kill your enemies with kindness. That is probably the best advice anyone ever gave me. I wished you would write a book explaining how you were able to reach this point. It could serve as a road map for so many. God Bless you and your family. Your future husband is truly getting a beautiful, classy wife. Hip-Hip-Hooray for Mary Jo!

the best of luck to you.

first, i will say God Bless you Mary Jo. second, i have read many of the comments above and most are wonderful. some derogatory on you making money off your life. well, i say, you deserve every penny you can make on books, interviews and whatever. it is your life and you can treat it as you will. all have the option of not reading it if they choose. so what if it goes on for years. maybe fresh reading every once in a while will teach other women to be careful. will teach others to be good people with you as an example.. i say, you go girl. as a retired police officer i can say i wish others had “survived” as well as you. be happy. continue to be an inspiration to others in similar circumstances. the world needs people with your heart and soul.. happy Easter to you and yours.

Excellent! Look at all the great feedback you received by showing a positive article. Perhaps there is a lesson for the media?
Enjoy every moment.

why do women choose to be with guys like joey buttafuoco?

Good for you Mary Jo. You are amazing. You look amazing. What a great example of what letting go can accomplishment. You are an inspiration to us all
God Bless You

I am so happy for her to finally get away from that horrible jerk, (to be nice). I think she is even more beautiful now than ever, & she is a strong individual. I really liked watching her on tv. I wish her the best, & much deserved happiness in the future.

This is great that Mary Jo has the emotional maturity to move on with her life. Both her ex husband and the convicted shooter will always be viewed as less than human. Mary Jo should have solace in that if she were to pass away because of complication due to the bullet lodged in her body, Ms Fisher will be charged with murder.

Great story Ashleigh and God Bless Mary Jo for her strength and good character in times when true evil visited her and forever more.

Mary Jo Buttafuoco is a shinning example to women all over the world. Way to go girl. You rose above it all with class and dignity.

WHAT A LADY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless you !!!!!
and continued success.

I’m so pleased to read that Mary Jo is doing well and has overcome that horrible tragic event and has forgiven Amy and Joey. Forgivness is good for the soul and the beauty of her soul shines in her face. I noticed her daughter Jessie commented here as well. Jessie, I hope you too have been able to forgive and go on with your life. You are very lucky to have such a good woman for a mother.

God bless & heal,

Dawn

I would like to send the very,very best to Mary Jo and her children.
I don’t believe I missed one day of watching the Amy and Joey story unfold. I wasn’t surprised when Mary Jo stood by his side and defended him through the entire ordeal. After all she married her high school sweetheart , had a lovely home and rwo wonderful children, she thought she had it all. In her wildest dreams she never thought her Joey was guilty of any of this horrible crime against her. After all they loved each other. She had no idea she was married to a rat.
I always knew that through her childrens eyes she would be able to stand back and take a good look at her husband and then she would be free to go on with her life. I bet he gets sick seeing how beautiful she is today and knows he lost the battle.

I learned something here. Thanks for posting.

Why is the Defense Attorney for “Clark Rockfeller” , allowed to refer to his client , using a phoney name?