Ernest W. Buck Jr., 77, of Parker died at 3:42 p.m. Friday in Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Ernie was born in Manchester, Conn., Dec. 18, 1933. He was the son of the late Ernest W. Buck Sr. and the late Carrie Clark Buck.

He was employed for many years by Empire Tool & Manufacturing of Manchester, Conn. Following his retirement, he worked a short time for Quality Name Plate in Glastonbury, Conn.

Ernest was a longtime ham radio operator.

He made his home in Westchester, Conn., before moving to Pennsylvania. He married Velma E. Hicks Buck on May 15, 1999, in the Glastonbury United Methodist Church. Moving to Pennsylvania, they made their home in the North Washington area of Butler County.

Velma died Sept. 14, 2004; and after her death, he lived at the Chicora Medical Center and at St. John's Lutheran Senior Center, Mars, for a short time, before moving to Parker.

Surviving are a sister, Lorraine B. Decker and her husband, Frank, of Glastonbury, Conn.; a stepson, Steven Smith of Petrolia; and several step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Raylene Saceric; a brother, David C Buck; and a sister, Elizabeth B. August.

<B>BUCK </B>— There will be no visitation. A graveside service and burial for Ernest W. Buck Jr., who died Friday, March 4, 2011, will be in the spring at Oak Grove Cemetery, State Route 268, Chicora, at the convenience of his family. Cremation services are being provided by <B>STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME</B>, Chicora.For more information or to extend condolences to his family, go to www.steighnerfuneralhome.com.