Frederick "Fritz" Buck

Mr. Frederick “Fritz” Buck, age 79, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family. Born in Utica on December 17, 1929, Frederick was the son of the late Frederick C. and Josephine (Young) Buck. He was raised and educated locally. On June 16, 1951 he married the former Philomena “Mena” Mendito with whom he shared 57 years prior to her passing on September 9, 2008; they were a self-sufficient couple during their life together, so much in synchronicity with each other that they were often thought of as one person in their feelings, beliefs, and companionship. A dedicated and hard-working man, Fritz was employed as a driver for the Charles Kassouf Produce Company and later for the Department of Public Works of the City of Utica until his retirement. A kind and generous family man, he sacrificed to provide a fulfilled life for his wife and children. A man of simple pleasures, Fritz enjoyed sitting on the porch, uplifted by the vitality of the people and everyday activities of the neighborhood. He was a member of the Teamsters Local and years ago he volunteered at the Sons of Italy Lodge. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Fritz is survived by his children and their families, Rick C. and Jackie Buck; Andrea Buck and Mary Ostrosky; and Maria and Frank Swiderski, all of Utica; his grandchildren, Concetta and Nondie Sarus, Ricky Buck and Melanie Robilotta, and Justin Buck; Pernell Wadley and Crystal Noti; Frank and Danielle Swiderski, Victoria Swiderski and Frank Mallozzi; and his great-grandchildren, Abriana Wadley and Alexis Sarus. Survivors also include his sister, Helen Gilbert of Utica; his nieces, especially acknowledging Betty Zandi, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law, Angelo A. Mendito of Utica. He was predeceased by several brothers and sisters, and his in-laws, Victoria and Anthony J. LaPorte, and Mary L. Mendito. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Christopher Clark who attended to Fritz with compassion and honesty; and to the Utica EMT’s who responded on numerous occasions with such concern. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today) from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Fritz’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Frederick "Fritz" Buck

December 17, 1929 - January 4, 2009