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Norman Buckalew Obituary
Norman Allen Buckalew, beloved husband, father, uncle, and friend passed away on September 10, 2015 of cancer. Typical of "Uncle Buck", he cut out the middle man and wrote his own obituary. Please enjoy his humor and then do something kind for someone else.
Norman Allen Buckalew finally threw a seven on September 10 at age 87. As I told my neighbors and family for the last 41 years I was subject to go at any minute. I was the youngest and last of the 9th Ward Buckalew clan born to Ellen S and Charles H Buckalew. I was predeceased by my wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen and brothers George, David, Edward, and my twin sister Norma Mildred Aydelotte.
I attended schools No. 30, Warner Jr High, and Brown Vocational High.
After working for several companies, I settled at Tupp Sign Company where I learned my trade as a sign painter and gilder. I was self employed for 50 years and enjoyed all the friends I met in the workplaces. I especially liked working in the old City/County Building and several Volunteer Fire Companies. Loved all the pranks and jokes, that made the job easier.
I loved good humor and comedians like Myron Cohen, Buddy Hacket, and Rodney Dangerfield. I collected old books, refinished furniture and collected obits of friends and relatives.
I miss the good music of singers like Sinatra, Martin, and Streisand.
I liked everyone I met, loved a couple, tolerated a few, and disliked four and they know who they are.
I am survived by nephews David Aydelotte Sr, George Buckalew Jr, David Buckalew Jr, and Jess Buckalew, nieces Carol Jatres, Linda Harriman, Tina Malm, Cynthia Hindman, Barbara Miller, and Ruth Ann Love. My daughter Ellen V. and her husband James Oboryshko, granddaughters Magen L. and Holly B. and great grandson Logan. And by my friend and pal of 60 years Ronald Re.
Many thanks to my daughter Ginny and my nephews George and David for their constant help. Thanks to my neighbors, nieces, and friends for their support and prayers.
Friends may call on Friday, September 18, 2015 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike (Rt. 202 South of Silverside Road) Wilmington, DE 19803 where a service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Entombment will take place privately in Silverbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
"Uncle Buck" loved Dean Martin's rendition of "Old Bones", including the verse:
But I love life, I'd like to live it again. Though I might not be much more than I've ever been. Just to have the chance to turn back the hands and let my life begin. Oh yeah, I'd like to do it again.
Dead End, No Exit.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Buckalew
October 8, 2015
I had the pleasure of serving Mr. Buckalew with his banking transactions. He was always friendly and brought a smile to my face. My sincere condolences to his family
October 8, 2015
I came to know Buckalew or Buck through my Uncle Carmen Panaro. He was a true friend to my Aunt and Uncle. when my Uncle moved away due to health, Buck always sent clippings from the paper as to what was happening. My uncle missed him when he left. He was a great guy and I am sure he will be missed.
Kathy Clark
Carmen and Esther Panaro's niece
Michelle A
September 19, 2015
I did not know Mr. Buckalew, but I wish I had known him after reading his obituary. He sounded like a wonderful person. May he rest in peace and his family find comfort that they shall meet again.
Ginny Oboryshko
September 15, 2015
A poem I found that he really liked....
This poem is by Henley
My task accomplished the long day done my wages taking and in my heart some late lark singing, let me be gathered to the quiet west the sun down splendid and serene. love Ginny Your Daughter
Vince Marra
September 15, 2015
I knew Allan through his nephew George who is a good friend of mine. Great man. So sorry to hear of this loss. My condolences to the Buckalew family.
The Shoemaker
September 15, 2015
I miss you already Buck. I don't think that will change anytime soon. Rest in peace buddy.
Michele Collas
September 14, 2015
A fantastic human, sweet loveable and full of life. He enriched my life for the short time I knew him. I have many fond memories of him. I have missed him many a day and now will miss him forever. Blessings to his family!
Becky Wierzbicki
September 14, 2015
I met Buck through by best friend, Elisabeth Clarke who happened to live across the street from him. What a happy-go-lucky guy he was, always joking around. I am not surprised that he write his own obituary. Buck would not have liked it if someone messed it up. Over the years he became another of my friend, Elisabeth's, best friends. He just made you feel so welcome. He truly was a good, decent human being. I will miss hearing the stories by Buck that Elisabeth loved to share with others. Buck was loved very much by his neighbors which is a rare thing nowadays. I guess Buck took people back to a time when sitting out front was really an activity to do for a few hours, just talking about whatever comes to mind. He really left his mark on many people.
Mike Ryan
September 13, 2015
Norman's passing is a big loss for all who knew him (perhaps with some exceptions, as he noted in his beautiful self-composed obit). Norman and I, distant cousins, had a common interest in the genealogy of the Buckalew clan and over the years kept in touch, although irregularly. My guess is that he has St. Peter chuckling at the gates. As he generously suggested, a donation will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Attending the P.S. duPont All-Class Reunion, Norman with his wife Mary Ellen.
Harry Rogerson
September 13, 2015
September 12, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Buckalew Family. May the God of all comfort (Psalms 83:18) help you during these difficult times.
September 12, 2015
Didn't know Norman, but he must have been a pleasure to know...love his self-written obituary! Condolences to his family.
Marshall Ton
September 12, 2015
I met Norman close to forty-five years ago on a job he had. Patient to explain gold leaf application to a kid watching and asking questions. Good sense of humor. A marvel with his brushes.
My dad took me along several times to visit the sick members of his Lodge. Norman's father was one of the people we visited. It was on that visit that I became aware of their connection to the then local radio personality Dick Aydelotte. And that has stuck with me for over four decades.
Norman made a positive impression on me. My condolences to his family and friends. Norm himself was a work of art.
Marshall Ton
Attending the P. S. duPont All-Class Reunion, Norman sitting with our wives, Mary Ellen and Elizabeth.
Harry Rogerson
September 12, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the Buckalew family.
Norman and I became friends in 2007 when he offered dozens of his personal photos of old Wilmington for inclusion in my book. Besides sitting with him at his computer looking at historical items, we would frequently go to Cosmos Restaurant on Wednesdays for their Lima Bean Soup that he so enjoyed. Afterwards, we would drive to areas around Wilmington where he would point out things from the past and relate personal stories of them. We also attended the P.S. duPont High School All-Class Reunion together with our wives in 2008.
Norman had a complete Book of Knowledge within him and would always relate to me things and stories from the past - things that I will always cherish.
I will miss Normans luncheon friendship and our taking "tours" around Wilmington.
I'll miss you and your stories...
Harry
Warren Whiteside
September 12, 2015
Oh Cousin..I'll think of you every time I see the sign you made for the little Appoquinimik Quaker meeting house here in Odessa.
Magen Oboryshko
September 12, 2015
Love you with all my heart
will miss cracking jokes
will miss you sticking out your teeth
most of all I will miss you
Love your Granddaughter Magen
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
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McCrery & Harra Funeral Home and Crematory - Concord Pike3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
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