Mr. Harry A. Buck

Mr. Harry A. Buck, a proud East Utican, age 65, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on April 15, 1951, Harry was the son of the late Harry J. and Lena M. (Intino) Buck. He graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1968 and attended Herkimer County Community College. On October 15, 1994 he married the former Cynthia “Cindy” Nicotera with whom he shared 22 years. They were a unique match for one another and were always together. Harry made her laugh every day. For nearly 30 years, Harry worked in the local banking industry with Oneida National Bank, and its successors, Norstar, and Fleet Bank, as a loan officer and branch manager. He was also a troubleshooter and was admired and respected at his workplace. He retired in 1995 due to ill health, but was very proud of his banking career and the relationships formed there and customers served there. Harry was a lovable, crazy guy who was known for his honesty and compassion for others. He was also a party animal who loved to dance like no one was watching. He enjoyed life to the fullest and especially time spent with friends and family. He was a Dewar’s-and-water man and a food aficionado who loved to order the most unique dishes. Harry enjoyed Martial Arts, training in Cane Fu through the American Martial Arts Institute and physical conditioning through Straight Circle Martial Arts. Harry was motivated to keep moving to maintain mobility and manage his pain. He was a member of the former Sons of Italy Lodge and a supporter of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church and was proud of his Catholic creed. He practiced his faith by viewing televised Mass and reciting the Holy Rosary, acts of faith which provided solace and comfort. He shared a strong bond with his rescue dog, his “baby” Corrie. He enjoyed his long walks with Corrie and Cindy when he was able. Harry had a way of communicating with anyone, with sincerity and ease. He had a magical and entertaining charm, which endeared him to countless friends and family. Harry is survived by his wife, Cindy; his sister, Maryann Buck; his uncle, Mario Intino of Las Vegas; cousins, including Renee, Denise, Frances, Richard, Raymond, Michael, John and Anthony, Mario Jr., and his Intino cousins; in-laws, Maria Kaiser, and Janet Hallak; his nieces and nephews, Mary Ann and Tom Serwatka, and Anthony and Pamela Hallak; great-nieces, great-nephews; and his wonderful friends, John Capraro, and Mark and Linda Taurisano. He was predeceased by his cousin and godfather, Sam Maggio; his cousin, Michele Miller; his father-in-law, Vito Nicotera; and his brother-in-law, George Hallak. The family is grateful to Harry’s oncologist and staff at the Upstate Cancer Center who provided a support system that was unmatched. Their hospitality and personal touches were amazing and uplifting; and the Special Care and ICU personnel at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center who went above and beyond in their medical efforts. In keeping with Harry’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Memorial Service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, March 4th, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. For those wishing to do so, in lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Harry's honor to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org or the Upstate Cancer Center/Neck and Throat Department online at https://www.upstatefoundation.org; envelopes will be available at the service. Internment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Harry A. Buck

April 15, 1951 - February 22, 2017