Richard James Bucek

Richard (Rick) Bucek of Endwell, NY, passed away unexpectedly on March 28, 2026. He was born on March 9, 1957, in Silver Spring, MD, and was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Mary (Antoni) Bucek, and his brother, Lawrence (Nancy) Bucek. He is survived by his sister, Patricia (Michael) Krassin; nephews, Zachary and Jacob Krassin of Owego; sister-in-law, Nancy (Duke) Miller of Gardners, PA; aunts, Elizabeth Antoni of Mount Holly, NC, and Frances Buchek of Ozark, MO; and many cousins.
Rick earned his Master of Science in Chemistry from Binghamton University. He began his career in Rochester, NY, where he specialized in laboratory research for Kodak. After leaving Kodak, he held various other research roles including working for the FDA in Philadelphia, where he applied his analytical mind and technical expertise.
Rick was known for his generosity and his willingness to help anyone in need, often giving more of himself than was ever asked. He spent countless hours tinkering with electronics and working on cars. Whether it was his own vehicle or one belonging to a friend or family member, Rick took pride in figuring things out and getting things running again. He especially loved searching salvage yards for hard-to-find parts; tools in hand, he carefully took apart what others had left behind to find exactly what was needed. He found enjoyment in hunting through hundreds of cars, bringing usefulness and life back to things that might otherwise be forgotten.
Rick was also deeply proud of his Slovak heritage. He was especially fond of the traditional Slovak meals and baked goods his mother, grandmothers, and aunts used to prepare, and he even attempted to recreate some of their recipes.
He was a devoted and loving uncle to his two nephews, who were truly the light of his life. He treated them as if they were his own sons, especially in their younger years. He spoke of them with pride and found great joy in watching them grow into adults. The bond he shared with them was deep and lasting, and they will carry his love with them always.
Rick faced many challenges throughout his life. Through faith, we take comfort in the promise that his struggles have now been lifted, and that he has found peace and rest. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
As his sister, this loss is especially profound. "But how can I learn to live in a world that doesn't include my brothers? All my life, I've always been my brothers' sister; it's part of my identity, part of who I am. My brothers are part of my past; we share a common history. And we had plans for the future." - T.J. Wray, author
A Funeral Mass for Rick will be held on Friday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 207 Hayes Avenue, Endicott, followed by interment at the Slovak Catholic Cemetery in Binghamton.
In memory of Rick, and in lieu of flowers, please consider making an effort to connect with someone who may be walking a lonely path. A simple conversation can mean the world.