Richard Gerald Buck

He attended Herkimer schools, graduating with the class of 1963. He studied drafting in NYC.

He was employed at General Electric, Utica for 25 years, retiring due to a plant closing. Richard was then employed by the Town & County of Herkimer Highway Departments. His final employment was with NYS Department of Transportation.

Richard was a member of the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department and the Fish & Game Cub. He belonged to the Elks, Moose, American Legion, Eagles & Amvets clubs.

Richard was united in marriage in 2003 to Carolyn Barringer. They enjoyed traveling and resided in Florida for 20 years. They greatly enjoyed time spent at their camp at Belvedere Lake, Roseboom with great friends & neighbors, John & Linda.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, five daughters: Michele(David), Teresa, twins Amy & Brenda,& Janice & stepson, Matthew(Kristen). He cherished his 15 grandchildren & 6 great grands. Also surviving are his 3 sisters, Paula, Sherri(John), & Donna(Joey) & his sister-in-law, Joanne & mother of his girls, Sandra. Survivors on Carolyn's side: Barbara(Richard) Marylou(Brian), Debra(Rodney), Shirley, Dawn(Ronald), Steven(Bonita), & Richard(Sonja). Rick was pre-deceased by his parents & brother Lee.

Although afflicted with a familial hearing impairment since childhood, Rick led a "normal " life. He never let it stop him from joining friends & family in all sorts of activities. He loved hunting & fishing ,bowling, softball & golf. He loved attending & hosting pool parties & BBQs. He was happiest with family. He loved being with close friends, Jim & Terry, Randy & Marie, John & Linda, Joe & Johann, & Deb & Joe. Rick always enjoyed his high school classmates at the pizza parties & reunions. Rick loved dogs, raising & dog sitting. Carolyn called him the "dog whisperer". In later years Rick greatly enjoyed time spent at his nephew's camp in Salisbury.

After retirement, Rick picked up his guitar again & began teaching himself & anyone who would listen. He loved the technology of his iPad; downloading hundreds of classic country songs. In Florida, he & Carolyn belonged to a wonderful country music club. They acquired many talented & longtime friends. Many Tuesday nights were spent at the music jam at Gilchrist Park on the Peace River/Charlotte Harbor. Rick passed on his love of guitar to his 5 daughters, making sure each of them had a guitar.

Rick's cancer was rare & aggressive. He fought a valiant fight. He was so happy to have all 5 girls at his side for his last week of life. The girls were a tremendous help to Rick & Carolyn.

His last days were made special by visits & calls from longtime friends & family. Rick quietly & pain free went to be with our Lord in his sleep.

Memorial donations may be made to the local humane society or American Cancer Society.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer. All are welcome to come & share memories, laughter & Rick's favorite, food & drink. Fly high my love.