Francis A. “Buck” Parry, Jr., age 78, of Cattaraugus, formerly of Dayton, passed away early Tuesday morning, July 2, 2024 at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo. He was born in Springville on January 19, 1946, the son of Francis Sr. and Florence (Brooks) Parry.
Buck retired from the New York State Department of Transportation, where he had nearly 40 years of dedicated state service. His strong work ethic began as a young boy when he worked on a farm and continued after his retirement and until his death when he did general maintenance at St. Joseph’s RC Church in Gowanda. This job included all facets of the day-to-day operations at the church and rectory. Buck was also the groundskeeper and sextant for the church cemetery. Buck, a family man, loved his wife and kids and had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He enjoyed the outdoors, motorcycle riding, and hunting. He had a gentle heart, a kind soul, and a deep dedication to his faith, a man who wouldn’t think twice about helping anyone less fortunate or in need. A member of St. Joseph’s RC Church in Gowanda, Buck and his wife Wilma were part of the Faith and Fun Bunch within the church. Buck was also involved with the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his wife, Wilma M. (Kuhaneck) Parry, whom he married on April 17, 1965 at the Springville United Methodist Church (they renewed their vows on the same day 10 years later at St. Joseph’s RC Church in Gowanda); children, Charlotte (Kirk) Orth and Michael Parry, both of Cattaraugus; grandchildren, Brandon Orth of Gowanda and Trianna (Padan) Moore of Cattaraugus; great-grandchildren, Caleb Orth, Braylynn Orth, Aubree Orth, Corbin Moore and Bexley Moore; two sisters, Terry Quagliana of Angola and Christine (Danny) Rose of Tennessee; as well as nieces and nephews. Besides his father, Francis Parry, Sr. and his mother, Florence Parry Fuller; Buck was preceded in death by his brothers, Martin and Nelson Parry; and a brother-in-law, Tony Quagliana.…