Gary Buck, age 57 years, of Flemington, NJ, died on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ after a sudden illness.

Born at Hunterdon Medical Center on August 2, 1961, son of Sara Ann “Dolly” Housman Buck and Kenneth Freeman Buck, Gary was a lifelong area resident.

In fact, as Sara was in delivery, right about the time he was born, a plane crashed off Route 12 knocking out power to the entire area; everyone survived, but Gary came into this world with a bang and lived his life like it ever since!

A no-nonsense, no filter, extremely loving gentle giant, Gary was known for his quick wit and caring heart.

The type of person who would give you the shirt off his back in the middle of winter even if it was his last one, would always be the one that anyone could turn to if they needed an ear to listen and a calming voice to help guide them.

His family writes, “His laugh and smile were infectious. He was always quick to lend a helping hand and had the biggest heart; a rare find.”

“Gary was a simple man and lived his life so. He had a passion for dirt track racing; from racing, to working on cars to being a spectator, Gary loved it all. He simply loved everything dirt track racing cars offered.”

Calling him an avid Miami Dolphins fan would be putting it mildly, as Gary’s enthusiasm for the sport and his team never waivered. He had recently just acquired season passes and was able to see the Dolphins win their home opener with his angel on Earth, Jill, who was always able to keep Gary’s attention even when the Dolphin Cheerleaders took the field. The bond between them was so strong, that even in his final hours with all the odds stacked against him, he continued to fight so hard to not leave her, or his loving family.

Deer hunting with Dad and deep-sea fishing were also two activities that he greatly enjoyed. It wasn’t so much the sport, as it was spending quality time with family and friends. After all, Gary knew that was the secret to what this life is all about: family, friends and fun.

A mason by trade, there was no harder worker than Gary, and anyone who knew him can hear him saying, “Build, Build, Build…Brick by Brick!”

He worked for many years at his Uncle Harold’s company, Markim Construction Co., Pittstown, NJ and later for Matarazzo Excavating, Asbury, NJ.

A member of the NJ Building Laborers Local #779, Somerville, NJ, Gary was extremely proud of all his hard work and would frequently point out projects that his hand helped build.

Gary was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Buck, whom he married when she had three young children. Upon her death, Gary raised them as his own and they were proud to love Gary as their father.

Music was an important part of Gary’s life. In addition to doing things as all youngsters did, from Boy Scouts, to little league with Flemington-Raritan, to football for the Flemington Pioneers, Gary also was involved in the school band, playing tuba for the Hunterdon Central Red Devils Marching Band. He also played drums and his music teacher, the legendary Mr. Jack Dooley, happily referred to him as, “One-Note Gary”, a title which he loved.

Music was a way for Gary to help express how he felt. He felt there was a lyric and a note for all things life could toss his way.

One of his favorite bands of all time was Lynyrd Skynyrd. The songs “Free Bird” and “Simple Man” spoke to Gary and speak to us about how he chose to live his life and what we can all take from his untimely death.

From “Freebird”, we hear two mighty passages: one, “If I’d leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me? For I must be traveling on now, cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see” and two, “All that you need is in your soul.”

In Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 it is written, “So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.”

Gary, you came into this world with a bang and left your mark for the better in the hearts of all who knew you and will carry on your legacy, until we are all joined together again, in a place where there is no sickness, only happiness, and where everyone is as free to be as they wish to be, like a bird flying above the sea. In the meantime, we will all enjoy the gifts from God that are bestowed upon us, the most important one being that you were a part of our lives.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his grandfather, Freeman Buck; and his step-daughter, Shalisa Horvath.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his love and best friend, Jill Saharyan; his siblings, Jimmie and his wife, Eileen Buck, and Linda and her husband, Tom Strong; his step-daughter, Cassie Horvath Laughlin and her husband, T.J.; a step-son, Jason Horvath; his nephews, Jim and Dan Palmer and Chris and Brandon Buck; his beloved German Shepherd and Collie mix, Rosie; many cherished extended family; and many dear friends.

Family and friends may gather to celebrate Gary’s life on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A life celebration service will take place at 5:00 p.m., to which all are invited.

Following the service, all are welcomed to join the family at the Kingwood Township Fire Company, 952 County Road 519, Frenchtown, NJ, for a pizza and beer party…appropriately Gary style!

Cremation at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ will be private under the direct supervision of the Wright & Ford Family Licensed Care Team.

Please visit Gary’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Gary are asked to make a contribution in his name to New Jersey Puppy Rescue, 16 Alaco Lane, Milford, NJ 08848. This is the rescue where Gary adopted his sweet “Rosie” girl and he would be happy to know that other rescues are being helped.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned and operated “Life Celebration Home”