David John "Bucky" Buckingham

AUBURN | David "Bucky" John Buckingham, 67, of Norman Drive, Auburn, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning Nov. 20, 2015, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, surrounded by his loving family.

He was a life resident of Auburn, the son of the late John and Elizabeth Buckingham. "Bucky," as he was affectionately known by his family, friends, and colleagues, graduated from Auburn East High School, class of 1966. He received his associate's degree in criminal justice from Auburn Community College. David was employed for more than 39 years at the Auburn Police Department, retiring in May 2008 as sergeant.

David was instrumental in the development of the first DARE and SRO programs for the Auburn Enlarged City School District. He was currently employed by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Department as a security officer for the Cayuga County Court and Auburn City Court.

Dave always had to be busy and was a perfectionist about everything he did and took great pride in his yard (never a leaf on it), and his car (always spotless, sometimes cleaned twice daily), and in his appearance -- always clean-shaven with daily creased slacks and shiny shoes. All neighbors, family, and friends will miss seeing him doing his chores.

Some of his most favorite times were those spent with his family. He thoroughly enjoyed attending all his grandchildren's sporting events and hardly ever missed a game. His other favorite things were to go to Kosta's to meet the "good ole boys" for breakfast any morning he didn't work and then go to his best friend's, Tom Burger (Detective) house to meet up with their buddy, Ron Bent for coffee and discuss politics, women, and how to right all the wrongs in today's world. They were affectionately known as the "Three Amigos!"

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Marty (Martha Bacon), of Auburn; four sons, Mark Buckingham, of North Carolina, Patrick Bryant, of Auburn, Timothy (Kristin) Buckingham, of Buffalo, and Christopher (Jada) Bryant, of Auburn; a stepdaughter, Amy (Mike S.) Stilphen; stepson, Todd (Jen D.) Stilphen; a sister, Patricia "Patti" (Gary) Lewis, of Auburn; 12 grandchildren, Elizabeth and Will Buckingham, Jacqui, Jacob, and Joshua Bryant, Gabrielle Charles, Michael Charles III, Dominik Greco, Hayden Stilphen, Michael and Jack Dornetshuber, and Gabbie Scharick; two nieces, Tracey Lewis Ferree (Thomas) and Christine Lewis Bonilla (Robb), and many special friends, especially Tom Burger and Ron Bent.

In addition to his parents, Dave was predeceased by his wife, Mary Buckingham in 2000.

The family will greet family and friends in a celebration of Dave's life from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 in the Auburn United Methodist Church, 99 South St., Auburn. A memorial service will follow the calling hours at 4 p.m. in the Auburn United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, David's family would like any contributions to be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association, which is a cause that is near and dear to the Buckingham Family. Please make any donations to JDRF-Western NY Chapter, 331 Alberta Drive No. 106, Buffalo, NY 14226; or check info@jdrf.org.

Arrangements are by Pettigrass Funeral Home of Auburn.

The one thing Dave was so grateful to have was a wonderful "blended, extended, happy family."