Obituary of Stephen F. Buckner

Stephen F. Buckner, Ph.D.

March 1, 1956 - December 4, 2024

Webster. NY ... Stephen F. Buckner passed away December 4, 2024, suddenly and unexpectedly from complications due to kidney failure.

He was a loving husband, leaving behind his wife of nearly 41-years of marriage, Kathy Buckner; devoted father of Colleen Wenzler, Elizabeth Buckner (Joe), Alexander Buckner (Charlie), and Fred Wenzler.  He took great pride and love for his four grandchildren: Cailyn and Carter Wenzler, James and Patrick Saint Ours, and his three bonus grandchildren Tyler and Nick Wenzler and Ava Richmond.

He is predeceased by his parents Bucky and Elaine; brother Daniel; and living sister Linda.  Steve is much beloved and cherished by his in-law families, Connie Olson (Paul); and The Rev. James C. Miller (Lorraine),  Families were ardent encouragers of their love and esteem for Steve.

Steve and Kathy worked and loved each other deeply.  She was his rock, as he was hers.  Many marriages do not endure, but theirs did.

Steve and Kathy truly enjoyed joyous and blessed times with their grandchildren.  Each is held in heartfelt love.  Steve really wanted to keep living because of all of them.  In this time when Steve's life is ended, much sooner than wanted, the family deeply yearns that the grandkids will always remember how much they meant to their grandfather, and most certainly, how much Steve meant to them.

Steve began his present-day successful business career as founder and CEO of Quality Services, LLC, by buying a steam cleaning machine and trailer to pay his way through a degree in Music from Nazareth College.  He received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Rochester in 2004.  His love of Irish Music inspired and energized more than twenty-five years as member and manager of the Emigrants, one of the most renowned Irish bands from Cleveland, across New York State, and into the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains resorts.  The University of Rochester engaged Steve as an adjunct professor of music.  His years in this position were devoted to his creative and inspiring compositions.  He prided his teaching vocation in enabling student musicians to pursue their passions of music.

The family wishes to acknowledge and express utmost gratitude to outstanding and life-giving medical care through years of Steve's medical ups and downs.  In special thanksgiving, the family states how fortunate to have had Steve's doctor, Dr. Russell Maggio, who gave support and guidance of utmost medical expertise and compassionate care of patients.  Further, grateful thanks is voiced to the entire staff at Fresenius Kidney Center for their care and support.  And, a huge shoutout to April Keller, RN/instructor for the training she provided Kathy in order to be able to give Hemo Dialysis to Steve in the privacy of their home for the past 2- 1/2 years.  Another special acknowledgement to Dr. Scott Liebman for the exceptional care, guidance and conversations he instilled with Steve.  Steve was honored to share his experience and knowledge of Home Dialysis in a seminar with medical students.

It is Steve's thoughtful decision and request that no calling hours or funeral service be held.  In lieu of flowers, because his beloved cat Saoirse will eat them, please donate to your favorite service organization/charity in honor of Steve who donated generously of his time and financial contributions to many causes.

We also ask that you take time everyday to laugh and keep humor in your lives as Steve did!