Obituary of Theodore J. Buczkowski

Theodore (Ted) J. Buczkowski, Sr., age 90, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2023.

Born on December 10, 1932, Ted was the son of the late Wasyl and Mary Buczkowski. He was a lifelong resident of Floyd, New York and was educated in the Holland Patent School District until he left high school at the passing of his father to take over his family's farm. On May 3, 1969 he married Bertha Furman at the Stittville Methodist Church, a union that has lasted over 53 years.

Ted spent over 63 years as a member of the Stittville and Floyd Volunteer Fire Departments. He was a founding charter member of the Floyd Fire Department in 1963 and spent several years as commissioner and a line officer. He was a very active member and was known to be a highlight in the annual firemen's parade where he loved to entertain the crowds walking on stilts or acting in character among the many skits produced over the years. In his later years he was a fixture in the sound booth at the Floyd field days where his charm and charisma convinced everyone who walked by to open their wallets and buy raffle tickets to support the firehouse.

Ted was very proud of his Ukrainian heritage and celebrated each year maintaining holiday traditions where making pierogi became a multi-day event that his entire family gathered together to do. He and his wife operated the family farm until their retirement, but farming was so deeply rooted in his life that he continued to work for other local farmers driving equipment, hauling hay and tending crops because he simply loved to do it. His love of farming also earned him the nickname "Barney" because he spent so much of his time in the barn. The most cherished role Ted had was being Papa to his six grandchildren who were the apples of his eye. Tractor rides, chasing chickens, tending goats and hiding in the corn fields were just a few of the things they all enjoyed together.

Ted is survived by his wife, Bertha; and their three children, Robin (Karl) Vienneau of Holland Patent, Loriann (Tim) Rowling of Floyd, and Theodore (Iris) Buczkowski, Jr., of Rome; and six grandchildren, Harley Buczkowski, Kylie Vienneau, Paige Rowling, Elizabeth Buczkowski, Jillian Buczkowski, and William Buczkowski. Ted is also survived by his brother, Mikel P. Buczkowski of Floyd; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, William and Adolf Buczkowski, and sisters Anna Sosnowski, Rose Mena, and Katherine Kyritszke.

The family would like to extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff at the Betsy Ross Rehab & Nursing Center for their compassion and care during Ted's brief stay.

Ted’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 6 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in Townsend Cemetery in the spring.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 6 PM prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Floyd Volunteer Fire Department in Ted's memory, 8367 Old Floyd Rd., Rome, NY, 13440.