John Morgan Bucey, 72, beloved husband of Kathryn (nee) Kalivoda, loving father of Kristin Bucey Paxton and devoted grandfather (Pap Pap) to Shea L. Paxton passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2013, surrounded by loved ones after a short yet courageous battle with cancer. John was born January 18, 1941 in Steubenville, OH, son of the late Howard and Mary Karaffa Bucey. John graduated from Toronto H.S. and received his B.A. degree from Kent State University and M.S. degree from Akron University. John was a four sport athlete in H.S. and played collegiate football at Kent State University. After college, John was employed by the Stow School System as a teacher and football coach. He then entered the field of business working for Ford Motor Company and retired from Liebert Corp. (Worthington, OH) in 2008. John was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Westerville, OH, and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wadsworth, IL. John is survived by his wife of 47 years Kathy, his daughter Kristin of Gurnee, IL, his beloved granddaughter Shea, his sister Mary Ellen (Oliver) Waggoner of Toronto, OH, his three brothers, Paul (Patsy) Bucey of Corpus Christi, TX; David (Joyce) Bucey of Mentor, OH; Daniel (Pamela) Bucey of Huntsville, AL. John was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy (Elbert) Grill and his brother and sister-in-law William and Mary Louise Bucey. A memorial service for John will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 15000 Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, IL 60083, on Thursday, February 21, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. with a one hour visitation prior to mass. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to The Ohio State University Athletic Department and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. John’s spirit of devotion to those he loved will be deeply missed “May God hold him in the palm of his hand.”Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit John’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Dave Shahan
February 25, 2013
To the Bucey family. I was saddened to hear of Coach Bucey's passing. I was on Coach Busey's football team at Stow High in 1974-75. Coach Busey not only taught us about football on the practice and playing fields he taught us so much more about life in general. He touched quite a few young men that have gone on to be quite successful. Being part of those teams brings back great memories.
Jerri Furniss
February 18, 2013
Dear Kathy, Kristin, and Shea: please accept my sincere condolences. In the approximate one year since I first met John, I found him to be a really good guy. He was so interesting, and fun, and certainly knew his mind! I admired his spirit and enjoyed our playful verbal exchanges. I am sure his "larger than life" presence will be missed by many, but remembered with a smile by all. Please take care.
Jan & Dick Homan
February 18, 2013
To the Bucey Family,We are sorry to learn of John's passing. Dick has many good memories of him while at Liebert. One that stands out was a golf outing to the Lake Lure area many years ago. It was a wonderful weekend with alot of good memories. John was a special person and he will be truly missed.We lived at 79 Buckeye Street in Westerville just down the street from you.God bless you.Jan and Dick Homan
Jeremy & Kris Rudolph
February 18, 2013
Sending love and prayers.
Sherri Palmer
February 18, 2013
My condolences to Kathy and Kristin in your loss. It has been nearly 30 years since seeing all of you...but your kindness will always be remembered. Sherri Palmer
tom tarpy
February 18, 2013
I met John through my partner George Jenkins. George and John played together at Kent. I introduced John to the folks at Liebert and the rest as they say was history. A good man gone too soon. May he rest in peace.