FEB. 12, 1924-NOV. 13, 2009

MERCERSBURG, Pa. - Howard H. Bucy Jr., 85, of Mercersburg, Pa., died at 3:27 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, at the Chambersburg Hospital, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Williamsport, Pa., on Feb. 12, 1924. He later was a resident of Hagerstown, Md.

Howard was the son of the late Howard H. Sr. and Aldean L. Dubler Bucy. He is survived by his wife, Ada E. (Betty) Alleman Bucy, whom he married May 10, 1963. They were married for 46 years.

He attended Hagerstown High School and furthered his education at Mercersburg Academy.

During World War II, he served in the Navy as a pharmacist's mate from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed on the LST 678 off Iwo Jima, offshore from Mount Suribachi, February to March 1945. The servicemen on shore raised the American flag at Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945.

He was awarded military commendations for service in the Pacific Theater, the American Theater and Philippines Liberation, as well as the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. In addition, he received the PA Legislative Commendation and Medal Honoring World War II Veterans of Franklin County.

Upon returning from the service, he worked various jobs in Hagerstown prior to being hired for the position of freight agent. He retired from Conrail Railroad on Aug. 15, 1981, having worked there for 32 years.

Howard was a member of Clarence Armstrong VFW Post 6241 and the Harry Lackhove American Legion 517, both of Mercersburg; the Eagles Club Inc., of Waynesboro; the Pennsylvania LST and the National LST Associations. He was also a member of the National AARP and the Mercersburg Tuscarora Senior Activity Center.

He enjoyed riding his moped, watching TV and VCRs, and listening to music. He was also a lover of animals.

In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Raymond A. and Isabell E. Alleman; three nephews and their wives, Raymond A. Jr. and Patricia Alleman, Charles R. Alleman, and Robert W. and Jennifer Alleman; two great-nephews, Justin and John Christian Alleman; a great-niece, Kathryn Alleman; and a cousin and her husband, Clair L. and Edward German. Howard was the last of his immediate family.

Services will be held at Lininger-Fries Funeral Home, Mercersburg on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, with visitation at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. The Rev. Harold E. Yeager will officiate; eulogies will be given by Dr. W. David Kent and William H. Payne. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Mercersburg, with military graveside services conducted by the Honor Guard of Charles Nitterhouse VFW No. 1599 of Chambersburg.

Memorial contributions may be made in Howard's name to the American Heart Association, 417A Phoenix Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or the National Parkinson Foundation, 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 250, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.