Stanley Buck dies

Stanley John Buck, 63, of Bullville, N.Y., a lifelong groom and caretaker who worked for many trainers through the years, died March 10, 2008.

The son of the late Frederick and Jeanne Croteau Buck, Mr. Buck was born May 23, 1944 in Sherbrooke, Que. He led a simple life that revolved around his family, the horses and especially his dog, Sherrona. He was a generous and caring man who never complained, and worked hard his whole life.

Mr. Buck's life was harness racing and he worked for many trainers throughout the years. Among those were Steve and Al Manzi, Mike Kimelman, Billy Popfinger, Mike Petrelli, Tom Guido, Sam Fava and Ron Cushing. At the time of his death he was working for Cushing at a training farm in Bullville, N.Y.

Back in the 1980s, Mr. Buck worked for the Manzis for five years as a caretaker, assistant trainer and all around handyman.

“He was a gentle, caring and quiet guy who worked from sun-up to sunset and enjoyed every moment,” remembered Steve Manzi. “He’d train horses along with us and do anything that was asked of him. He was like a member of the family. I’m really sorry to learn of his passing.”

“Stan gave his entire life to the harness racing industry,” added Kimelman. “He was a good worker, a friend to everybody and though life threw him some curveballs he never had a bad word to say about anyone.”

“On the farm here in Bullville Stan was the go-to guy,” said Petrelli. “He’d be up at 3:00 (a.m.) in the morning and feed nearly all the horses on the entire farm. Then he’d work until well into the evening every day. He was dedicated and tireless.”

Mr. Buck is survived by his son, Ryan (Kelly) Mapes; stepsons, Bobby (Tina) Mapes and Glenn (Stacy) Mapes; stepdaughter, Stacey (Todd) McGaughey; brothers, Frederick Jr., Norman, Bruce, Danny, and Marck; sisters, Ann, Dorothy, and Lynn; seven grandchildren, Courtney Dane, Katelyn, Riley, Brogan, Michael-Dean, Justin, and Sarah; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, at Applebee-McPhilips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Ave., Middletown, N.Y. 10940. A funeral service will be held at 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home on Thursday evening. Cremation will be private.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home Inc., www.applebee-mcphillips.comor (845) 343-6309. (John Manzi)

« Back