Obituary of Bucky M. Crooks

On February 28th, 2022, Bucky M. Crooks, 57, was surrounded by friends at his favorite destination, Rangley, Maine, doing what he loved to do, snowmobiling, when he suddenly passed away. 

Bucky was born in Ithaca, NY, but the fun, adventurous life of Bucky Crooks began in Friendship, NY, which is perfect irony as to how Bucky lived his life. No matter where Bucky was, he was always making new friends. 

Born to his late parents, Murray Max Crooks and Lois (Volbrecht) Ocello, his family are descendants of the Seneca Native American tribe. Growing up on his family’s farm, his love for the outdoors began. And even though he was expected to ride horses on the farm, Bucky realized at an early age he preferred to ride anything with a motor. 

A 1983 Cuba High School graduate, where he played baseball and football. Bucky was recruited to the Hudson Valley Community College football team, which ultimately brought him to the Capital Region area. After graduation, he began working as a mechanic. 

For many years he worked at Metro Ford, and in recent years he proudly partnered on a service shop of his own, Diesel Dog Repairs LLC. Bucky’s mechanical talent and dedication to each job were only a part of why people trusted Bucky, they also saw him as a friend—many cold beers and stories were traded for his labor. He was a loyal friend who sincerely enjoyed helping others through his craft of woodworking, welding, mechanics, or any reason to use flex seal!

In 1984, he met his best friend, Teri McKee. They were the kind of couple that let the good times roll and were always up for doing something fun with friends and family. In August 1990, Bucky became the favorite son-in-law to Cathy McKee when he married her only daughter, Teri. Bucky’s quick wit and humor made him everyone’s favorite person. 

Bucky and Teri planted their roots in Burnt Hills, NY where they raised their loving daughter, Jessie. Bucky’s favorite person in the world was Jessie, and recently she proudly promoted him to Papa with the birth of his granddaughter, Kennedy. Bucky was the kind of Dad you could always rely on for support and guidance, but also the kind of Dad whom you could party with! Not too many Dads would let their little girl start riding 4 wheelers before peddling with training wheels. And when Jessie began dating Josh, you would think Bucky, a big, Harley riding mechanic would be intimidating…..nope! Instead, Josh and Bucky became thick as thieves from day one. Bucky enjoyed dirt biking and sharing a passion for snowmobiling with his son-in-law, Josh. 

In the warmer months, Bucky would enjoy golfing, dirt biking, riding his Harley, playing softball, watching the New York Yankees, and going camping. In the colder months, you would find Bucky on the snowy trails snowmobiling, playing with Kennedy, and watching the Buffalo Bills (if they were having a good season!) For years, Bucky and his snowmobiling buddies would look forward to winters in Maine, where the snow was always fresh, the beer was cold and the company filled rooms with laughter.  And in Bucky’s spare time, you could find him on a local barstool, specifically at TJs Flightline. 

Throughout his life, Bucky collected countless friends. Every year, his family would take a vacation somewhere warm, and instead of coming home with souvenirs, Bucky came home with new friends and fun memories. From his garage parties to plopping his camper on the front yard of many house parties, to finding a place with a jukebox and being Rico for the night, if there was music, Michelob Light, and Bucky you were in for a great night!  His loyalty and personality can never be matched. One thing is for sure, the world seems duller without Bucky Crooks in it. 

Predeceased by his parents. To continue his memory is his wife, Teri Crooks; daughter, Jessie (Joshua) Hempstead; granddaughter, Kennedy Jane Hempstead; sister, Wendi (John) Carvalho; brothers-in-law, John (Gretchen) McKee and Greg (Sue) McKee; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Bucky also leaves behind his cherished dog, Bubba (Tuck), his furry best friend. 

Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd on Wednesday, March 9th, from 3 to 6 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Friendship American Legion Post 1168, 29 Depot St, Friendship, NY 14739 or Road2Recovery:  https://road2recovery.com/

Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com