Joseph "Buck" Dumas

September 1, 1932 – June 2, 2016

Born in Hartford, Connecticut

Buck grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts. After graduating from Springfield Tech High, he entered Massachusetts Maritime Academy, graduating as a Marine and Electrical Engineer. Upon graduating he enlisted in the Navy and served as a lieutenant aboard the carrier USS Ticonderoga during the Korean War.

In November 1953, he married Jean Ann Bernhardt in St. Peter’s Church in Hartford, Connecticut.

After leaving the Navy, he and Jean Ann moved to Enfield, Connecticut where he worked as an engineer for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. He later worked as an agent for Travelers Insurance Company.

In 1976 the Dumas Family moved to sunny California in San Diego.

Buck was always an avid and talented guitar player. He brought his faithful Gibson with him during college and the Navy as he sailed the seven seas.

He formed a Blue Grass Band, “Bux County,” entertaining at the Fallbrook Avocado Festival, Seaport Village, Father Joe’s Village and many other celebrations.

Buck grew up with dogs. Over the years he and Jean Ann gave safe and loving homes to many, many stray and rescue dogs. They loved every one of them dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Ann, his five fabulous sons, Gregory, Scott, Peter, Alexander and Jonathan; his beautiful daughters, Rosa and Jenny and Shara; his wonderful grandchildren Darrell, Nina, Ava and Jake and his lovely great granddaughter, Mila; and his extended family, the great Cornthwaite Family; and his loving sisters Beverly and June, and his beloved dogs, Mercy, Joey and Sadie Sue, and many nieces and nephews.

Buck was a devout Catholic. He wrote and had published two books devoted to his Catholic Faith, “For Christ’s Sake” and “You Are Saved.” He was a Lector at St. Patrick’s Parish in North Park and at the Cathedral of St Joseph in San Diego.

While working at San Diego Marine, he designed and installed the Emergency Electrical System for the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

He later enlisted in the Merchant Marine serving as a First Engineer in The Military Sealift Command for two years.

He worked as a realtor in La Jolla and Coronado until his retirement.

Buck loved life – his family, his guitar, his dogs BUT most of all, he loved Our Lord Jesus Christ and Our Blessed Mother Mary.