Kulpmont - Jerome M. "Jerry" Buchinski, 95, died on Saturday, October 2, 2021, after a brief illness and hospitalization. Though tired and frail, he was determined to leave this earth on his terms - with dignity, valor, and love, just like he lived his life. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

He will now be reunited with his beloved wife Anna M. Buchinski (Pauzer), who died in 2007. He celebrated a joyful 61 years of a loving marriage with her and wore his wedding ring right up to his passing.

Jerome was born in Kulpmont, PA on February 20, 1926. He was a son of the late Peter and Anna (Andrukanis) Buchinski. He was a lifelong resident of Kulpmont and attended Kulpmont High School. For those that didn't call him Jerry, befriended him as Butch.

He proudly served with the U.S. Navy as a Fireman First Class between 1944 and 1946. and loved to tell stories about the experience. Representing and defending his country was an opportunity he embraced right up until his last years as he participated in nearly every military funeral ceremony, playing "Taps" on the bugle, celebrating the lives of Kulpmont servicemen. Until his passing he was a member of the Kulpmont American Legion Post 231.

Prior to retirement, Jerry first worked in the local coal mines, ultimately being promoted to federal mine inspector, working for the U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration.

A pillar of the community, Jerry was also an active member of East End Fire Company and the fire police as well at Knights of Columbus.

Jerry was an active and devout member of Church of the Holy Angels (previously Assumption BVM). He was a member of the men's choir and loved his role as parish committee co-chairman, helping prepare the batter for the thousands of potato pancakes sold each year at the Holy Angels Parish Picnic. Also a member of the Holy Name Society, Jerry was often the first to donate for startup expenses for their spaghetti dinners. He helped organize and participated in the yearly St. Marziale Procession.

He loved cooking and especially preparing for family and holiday dinners.

Most of all, he loved and cherished his family. His great-granddaughter Madison summed up his life the best when she wrote: "one of the most loving, kind, funny, sweet, giving, faithful, loyal people we'll ever know. He's the type of person who has always loved without judgment and dedicated himself to his family and those he holds near and dear. He's the type of person who made you laugh and smile at times you never thought possible."

He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Margaret Ann and Dennis Brida of Marion Heights, Jerry Ann and Ira Wolfe of Wind Gap, and Marian and Anthony Chiavaroli of Elysburg; six grandchildren and spouses, Sean McAllister and his wife Naomi, Joel McAllister and his wife Jenna, Christopher Brida, and his wife Rachele, Danielle (Brida) Heuseveldt and her husband Steve, Carly (Chiavaroli) Hall and her husband John, and Anthony Chiavaroli and his wife Vanessa; and five great-grandchildren, Madison McAllister, Connor Brida, Waylon McAllister, Grayson Brida, and Walker McAllister; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Rita (Poplawski), Virgina "Jean" (Socha), Dorothy (Kruskie); two brothers: Peter "Mr. Softee" and Jackie; and son-in-law Dennis McAllister.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Jerome M. "Jerry" Buchinski, 95, of Kulpmont – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 2 p.m. in the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott Street, Kulpmont, with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Kulpmont. Viewing will be held prior to the Mass from 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. with Transferal Prayer at 1 p.m. in the C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, Malcom C. Farrow IV, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont, PA 17834. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com