Herbert John Buckel

Although Herbert John Buckel passed away at UPMC Hamot on December 18, 2024, his unmistakable sense of humor will live on through every person who had the joy of hearing one of his jokes or hilarious stories. Herb was born on February 5, 1960 in Erie, the son of late Herbert Daniel Buckel and Frances Marucci Buckel Orlando and eventual stepson of Robert Orlando.

Herb attended Our Lady of Peace Elementary School and graduated from Twin Tech High School (now Erie High) in 1978. He was a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard, where he served from 1984-1986. In civilian life, he worked for General Electric and David J. Winston Plumbing and Heating.

Herb was an active volunteer throughout his life. He coached his daughter's soccer team, manned the penalty box for his son's hockey games, gave pontoon boat tours at Presque Isle, and was the DCNR Conservation 2018 "Jack of All Trades" award winner. He could fix anything from a leaky toilet to a broken furnace for anyone in need of a handyman. Herb was truly the person who would give you his last dollar or the shirt off his back and expect nothing in return.

Anyone who knew Herb well knew that he dedicated his life to improving the lives of others because life had often been unkind to him. Herb lost his father as a young child and spent parts of his childhood separated from family as a result. He struggled with depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as well as a multitude of physical health challenges, but that never stopped him from lending a helping hand. Through it all, he would have done anything to see his family, friends, and even strangers smile.

Herb was well known for his hilarious reenactments of his family's most embarrassing moments, such as his stepdad's misunderstanding of how an answering machine worked or the time he and his wife scoured the neighborhood with fishing nets in hand to catch their escaped dog. His children will remember him best for his long list of misheard and made up song lyrics, including hearing "Forever in Blue Jeans" as "Reverend in Blue Jeans" and making up his own nonsensical English lyrics for his daughter's favorite German metal band.

Along with his parents, Herb was preceded in death by his brother, Joel Buckel and many pets who anxiously await sitting on his lap in the afterlife. Herb is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen Proper Buckel, son Michael Buckel, daughter Andrea Faber and her partners Kellen Faber and Jason Vega, grandsons Ambrose and Aslan Faber, sister Carol Buckel (Bob Groves), brother John Buckel (Christina Buckel), sister Robin Orlando-Price (Duane Price), cousin Karen Lumia, and several nieces and nephews.

Private arrangements are being handled by the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA 16502. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Erie Humane Society, Erie Animal Network, or Tamarack Wildlife Refuge. To honor his memory best, tell someone your favorite joke today and cherish their smile and laughter.