Francis "Bucky" Kavanagh
Died: Nov 10, 2019
Francis “Bucky” Kavanagh, age 64, of Allamuchy, NJ died Sunday, November 10, 2019 at his home.
Bucky lived the majority of his live within the gates of Panther Valley. He grew up here – attending Allamuchy School and Hackettstown High School before attending Rider College – and continued to live here through his adult life.
His involvement at PVGCC began at the beginning of the club’s history as his family were some of the original Members of Panther Valley Golf & Country Club. In 1977 Bucky won the club championship. After that, Bucky began his 41 year career in the Golf Shop as the Assistant Golf Professional. Season after season, Bucky would eagerly await the early signs of spring – the first indicator that golf season – and the return of the Members at PVGCC – was just around the corner. His friendly smiling face was among the first and most recognizable at the club. Perhaps his most distinct attribute was his ability to remember the name, face, and preference of each golfer at PVGCC over the past 41 years. To this day, former Members and guests who have played the course reminisce about his welcoming and accommodating nature. During his time, Bucky was one of the most dedicated Members of the PVGCC family – going above and beyond whenever the situation warranted. Bucky was also one of the most knowledgeable people about not only PVGCC but also Allamuchy Township as a whole – often educating those around him
Bucky is predeceased by his father Desmond, his mother Jean and his sister Missy. Over the years, Bucky has become a part of each family at PVGCC – always celebrating and supporting everyone in their time of need. His kind heart and warmhearted nature will be missed by all that knew him.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the Panther Valley Golf and Country Club, 1 Forest Drive, Allamuchy, N.J. 07820.
Calling hours will be Friday, November 22, 2019 from 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm at the Panther Valley Golf and Country Club, 1 Forest Drive, Allamuchy, NJ 07820. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/
In celebrating Bucky’s life PCGCC will be collecting memories from throughout the years.Please share any stories and pictures of Bucky throughout the years with Dan McCarthy at dan@panthervalleygolf.com .
Condolences:
Anthony
#28
November 29th, 2019 3:19 pm
Well miss you at Pub 517 Bucky! Well have a drink in your honor this year pal!!
Tina Schmidt Baker
#27
November 23rd, 2019 1:13 am
Bucky’s smile is a wonderful memory I am so grateful to have, from those days growing up in PV- just around the corner from Bucky and his family. Rest in Peace.
Larry Schumacher
#26
November 22nd, 2019 7:45 am
There are people in the world you like "to run into". They make you feel good about your day. Thank you Bucky for being one of those people.
Annette Toomey
#25
November 19th, 2019 6:20 pm
Your smiling face and friendly demeanor were a great asset to the Pro Shop. Thanks for the golf lessons, Bucky! May you Rest in Peace!
Bill & Carol Wagner
#24
November 18th, 2019 2:15 pm
We are sending our condolences to Bucky who was a great friend. He was always nice to everyone and smiling. We will truly miss you.
Don and Phyllis Kiebler
#23
November 17th, 2019 9:50 am
So many wonderful and fond memories of Bucky and the "ole" gang from the late 70's. They must have needed a SUPER golfer for a SPECIAL foursome in heaven. He truly was the BEST of the BEST!!!!
RIP
David Simmons
#22
November 16th, 2019 4:38 pm
On behalf of the Simmons family, we lived directly across the street from Bucky and his family, 6 House Wren. Our families were early members at PV and we shared much time together.. The original kids in the valley all lived near House Wren.. Bucky and I worked on the course for Paul and he taught us a lot about golf and life. Buckwanna as i called him was always a happy guy and spent a lot of time learning his Golf game from our Great Pro Dick Hughes who Bucky ended up working for after Ed Cooper and Joe Kupit the original Asst’s had left PV...I Have followed Bucky’s life thx to now social media and he truly was an inspiration to all... I am so happy he was able to help craft and participate in the PV 50 yr celebration. I look forward to coming to the valley in the spring for Buckwanna’s celebration golf event..RIP Buckwanna
Al & Lucy
#21
November 15th, 2019 6:16 pm
Rest in peace. Buck, you always had a smile and a friendly hello. You will be so missed at the Pub.
Craig Spencer
#20
November 14th, 2019 4:04 pm
Bucky , My Friend. I will miss you, He touched so many
Lives. Bucky was one of the 1st people I met from moving to Lake TranquilityNJ in 1970 , i met him at the Caddy Shack
An Jim Bednar was in charge of All the Caddys.
We had some great times an made great money
Bake then at $6.00 a bag , lol we all tried to be 1st at the shack in th Am to get to go out early to get 2 rounds in to make $12.00 + tip .lol , i remember one early morning we all got out the Golf Carts , an we would race around the Pro Shop. (Prior to the fire), the black top made a circle an we had a starter , an flag , lol 10 laps , Bucky was Behind me an we bumped each other an Bucky ended up skidding thru the practice putting Green , That was a Awkward morning when Bednar showed up . Just wanted to share a great memory,
Will miss ya my Friend.
God Speed.
Carlos Vera
#19
November 14th, 2019 1:57 pm
I'm shocked by his passing. I'm really going miss Bucky. He always had a smile when he greeting you. He had a bigger than life personality. Rest in peace Bucky!
Carol McBriar
#18
November 14th, 2019 12:41 pm
As a relatively new member of the PVGCC I truly appreciated the genuinely friendly care, concern, and time that Bucky gave me on so many levels. He expressed the thought that we’re never too old to take on a challenge making my golf experience so satisfying and rewarding. A quote comes to mind “ Of everyone passing through your life there remains a trace upon your soul. A little particle of dust upon your garment wherever you have trod” and trod he did - on the golf carts up and down over all 18 holes, Pro Shop, Country Club Activities, Golf Outings, and Allamuchy Township. He was our own human database of knowledge about the county. We were blessed to have him, I can’t even imagine going into the Pro Shop without seeing him there. If anyone deserves a standing ovation it’s Bucky, he will be remembered and missed by all.
Edna M. Payrett
#17
November 14th, 2019 9:39 am
So deeply sorry to get this news! I'm certain that Bucky will be playing the truly perfect round and grinning down at the rest of us!
David Bachrach
#16
November 14th, 2019 9:19 am
Shocked to hear about Bucky’s passing. He always made me and my family feel special during our many years at the Club. My son’s Brian and Michael caddied there many many summers and he always treated them with the utmost respect.
RIP old friend, you will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Douglas Anderson Jr.
#15
November 13th, 2019 8:55 pm
Bucky gave me my first golf lesson as a junior. He was knowledgable, friendly, patient, and always generous with his time. He is one of the folks responsible for my 20 year career in the golf industry. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. You will be missed Bucky.
#14
November 13th, 2019 8:01 pm
Surprised and saddened by the news of Bucky’s passing. Got to meet Bucky in 1983 when I first joined PVG&CC and always remember his smiling face and willingness to help. Not many people get to live their passion in the same place their entire career and make so many friends who shared the same passion.
John Mazzola
#13
November 13th, 2019 7:46 pm
Bucky was, simply put, “Good People” with a big smile always.
Kathleen Ash Lange
#12
November 13th, 2019 7:03 pm
Bucky was just the nicest of guys, always a gentleman. A very sad day.
Bruce Silverman
#11
November 13th, 2019 4:02 pm
If I ever get my 1st hole in one, I'll look up to the sky waiting for Bucky to deliver the champagne.
RIP Bucky - - - PVGCC just won't be the same - - - you will be missed by all.
Jim Stanilious
#10
November 13th, 2019 8:53 am
So saddened to hear the news of Bucky’s passing. He was such a fantastic steward of the club and seemed to always be in a good mood. He treated everyone like they were the most important member at the club. Such a throwback in so many ways and will be remembered for his classy style. He will be missed. RIP Buck!
Ed Wehmeyer
#9
November 12th, 2019 5:25 pm
I have known Bucky since our HHS days together and was always a great guy with a million dollar smile. My condolences to family and friends. RIP
Tatiana
#8
November 12th, 2019 5:19 pm
Rest In Paradise to a LEGEND!!!
Mike Burke
#7
November 12th, 2019 4:13 pm
So sorry to hear the news of Buckys passing. I had not seen him in a long time but, we were assistants at the same time and I often either played with or sat with Bucky often laughing and kissing about almost anything. The good old days of assistants, everybody knew everybody, and Bucky always was one of the friendliest and enjoyable guys to be around. I’m sure that is why he was able to be at PVCC and that so many mention his smiling face. A good guy that many will miss I am sure.
Thomas Blackburne
#6
November 12th, 2019 2:13 pm
Bucky was the quintessential pro shop manager and played a major role as part of the Panther Valley Club community. But, more importantly, he was good friend to all. He will be missed greatly. God Bless.
Marty and Judy O'Hora
#5
November 12th, 2019 11:04 am
Haven't seen Bucky in many yrs but always remember him as a friendly easy going man.May he RIP.
Paul Guerra
#4
November 12th, 2019 7:46 am
I first met this legendary man back in the 90’s on “Bucky Day” when Panther Valley CC used to hold a tournament and all the monies went to him to hold him over for the winter - then I had the pleasure of joining PVCC years later and got to know him even better - he taught my son Jake Guerra how to play golf - he always greeted me in the Pro Shop with a smile - I always stopped to speak to him when I saw him at Pub 517 - to me his passing closes a Chapter for me at PVCC - it will never be the same - thank you Robert Kehler for introducing me to him so long ago - I’m just simply devastated - I cried on & off most of the day yesterday & went to bed early - today I was able to think of him with a smile & I looked to the sky many times today talking to Bucky & told him how much he was loved & how much he will be missed
Jeff Saunders
#3
November 12th, 2019 7:21 am
I would consider Bucky a great friend for over 50 years. Originally while in high school, the little red headed guy that was a golfer from Panther Valley. I was shocked and dismayed when I stumbled upon the news of his passing. We played golf together, and then spending time at the 19th hole where we laughed and joked together. I'll greatly miss him. Fun times... great memories.
Gerald E Vinella Jr and Marianne Vinella
#2
November 12th, 2019 6:55 am
To dear friend who will be missed greatly at the course. Always pleasant and cordial. It was a pleasure to get to know you.
George McGregor
#1
November 11th, 2019 7:53 pm
Francis Patrick Kavanaugh, known to one and all as "Bucky", was the first person I met when my family moved to Panther Valley. He was a good and true friend. I remember his quick laugh and infectious grin. We lost touch as we grew older and life intervened, but through the magic of social media we reconnected albeit all too briefly. His physical presence will be sorely missed but his spirit will be with us in our stories and memories.
Rest in peace my friend.
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