Mr. Harry Joseph Buck

The following is a Memorial written by Harry A. Buck, of New Hartford, in honor of his father, Sergeant Harry J. Buck, of Utica, who died unexpectedly in February of 2014. Harry J. Buck was born on January 21, 1930 in Utica, NY. He was raised in a foster home until entering the Marine Corps. He was 18 years old. After several years, he earned his Sergeant stripes in June of 1951. He chose to stay in the service and serve his country, even after the birth of his son, who he was not able to see for 1 year. He did this because of the man he was, and how proud he was of being a Marine. He served in Korea and fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where many servicemen and women died. He received several medals while in service: the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Japanese Occupation Medal, and United Nations Medal. He applied for the Purple Heart, but due to 9/11, many records were destroyed. My father worked for Acme Markets for many years. After that, he surprised us by establishing the Buck Security & Patrol Agency where he became a Private Investigator. He ended his career working and retiring from Wal-Mart in North Utica where he was beloved by his co-workers and many customers. I will always remember going on fishing and hunting trips for many years and all the good times on Monday night going to the wrestling matches at the Utica Auditorium. I’ve always been told I’m like my father in many ways. I am very proud to be my father’s son. I am very proud of how he stood up and fought for our country so we could be free, proud Americans. I would like to recognize some special people in my life who helped me get through this trying time. My dear wife, Cindy; my cousin and godfather, Sam Maggio of Ocean City, MD (Sammy, you’re like a brother to me. Thank you for listening and helping me, for hours on the phone, talking about my dad and all the good times we had with him, even though you had troubles of your own. My dad would have appreciated it --- from my father and me --- God Bless You); my dear friend, Gus Mazzatti, his daughter Patricia, and his friend Marlene Carlo, all of Utica. All your help was dearly appreciated. I would like to thank the Eannace Funeral Home, especially John and Nancy, for taking good care of my father in the way he would want to be. He was laid to rest on 3/11/14 at Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY, with Military Honors conferred to him. Dad, hopefully when you held me up in your arms when we first met, as it was in the newspaper, we will meet again, I know we will, and you will hold me again in your arms. God Bless You, Dad. I was proud to be your son. Hopefully, St. Peter opened the gates to Heaven. You deserve it. As they say in the Marines --- Hoorah! Contributions may be made in Dad’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. If you choose to mail in your donation, please download a donation form and mail to: Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Or you may contribute to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502. A Memorial Mass will be offered in Dad’s honor at the convenience of the family at a later date.

Mr. Harry Joseph Buck

January 21, 1930 - February 24, 2014