John Buck, Jr.

Dayton, NJ; Cambridge, MD; The Woodlands, Texas 1940 – 2025

John Buck, Jr. passed away on August 29, 2025, at his home in Texas where he was living a full and active life he loved. He was 85.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Helen and John Buck, John grew up in Mattawan NJ, graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1957 and began his career at Johnson & Johnson, starting in the mailroom. He was promoted soon after to the company’s research division where he met the love of his life, Veronica (“Vicky”).

John voluntarily enlisted the U.S. Army in 1962 and was selected by the Army Security Agency to train and serve as a Morse Intercept Operator. He married Vicky that same year and the two were stationed in Ethiopia for two years before returning to the states and settling in Dayton, NJ.

They raised their two children, Michael and Janet, and built a life filled with family, friends, and tradition. John continued his career with Johnson & Johnson, rising steadily through the ranks to a senior leadership position in logistics. His journey reflected the classic American story; he was proud of his 48-year career and the life it allowed him to build for he and Vicky and their family.

John was a lifelong golfer, a boater, an avid fisherman, and a HAM radio enthusiast. He loved to cook; he always kept a sizeable vegetable garden and traveled frequently throughout the country either for work or with his family in the family camper. Later in life he was a proud member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Upon retiring, John and Vicky settled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, to be on the Chesapeake Bay, an area he had visited often and had come to love. They spent their days by the water boating, fishing, gardening, golfing, and enjoying the peaceful life they had earned. After Vicky’s passing in 2014, John continued his life on the eastern shore until 2023, when he moved to Texas to be closer to his son and daughter-in-law and for better medical care. Though he left the Shore reluctantly, he quickly flourished in his Texas home, making more friends, joining neighborhood happy hours, and being very engaged in his new community.

John is survived by his son, John Michael (Stephanie) Buck; daughter, Janet (the late Alan) Johnson; grandchildren Jack, Peter (Clara), and Allison; his sister Florence and brother William; and many friends and neighbors from every chapter of his life.

John was a tall man with a commanding presence, and he could appear intimidating at first, but anyone who met him quickly discovered his charm and warm-hearted nature. He loved good conversation, good food, and good company. Above all, he was proud of his children and grandchildren. He is, and will always be, loved and missed.

A service with military honors will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, MD where he will be interred with his wife Vicky.

A celebration of life will be immediately following in Cambridge, MD. The family invites those who wish to honor John to join them for both.

Local arrangements entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A.