William Francis “Buck” Nefosky
September 9, 1934 - June 27, 2024
An earthly life that overflowed with unconditional love and sparkling wit has come to a peaceful end. Our hearts are heavy to announce the passing of our treasured husband, father and grandfather, William Francis Nefosky.
“Buck,” as he was affectionately known, was born on September 9th, 1934, in Larksville, Pennsylvania. His parents, William and Catherine, adored their only child. They instilled in him the strong morals and family values Buck cherished and executed. His childhood was full of memorable moments (especially mom’s warm, homemade bread), but one moment in high school would change his life. That’s when, at 17 years old, Buck met his precious Rita.
Their fairytale is one that would last for 70 YEARS. A fairytale abounding with fierce love and devotion to one another. One where Buck would never go hungry, and one where Rita would never lack humor. One of Buck’s endearing gifts to Rita – or “Sylvia,” as he jokingly called her – stated, “I love you more today than I did yesterday. Yesterday, you got on my nerves.”
Buck and Rita built their life as one in Newark, Delaware. That life included Buck’s 35-year career at General Motors, traveling the world, and rooting for his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Buck’s greatest accomplishments in life, though, were his three children, William (Bucko), Benjamin and his Diane.
There’s not a father on Earth who was prouder of his children. His heart was soft for his sweet Diane. Their bond was unbreakable. He’d brag about her selflessness, generosity, compassion and solid work ethic … and he could never turn down a plate of her meatloaf and baked butter beans.
He boasted of Benjamin’s accomplishments in law enforcement. He cherished the moments they spent together at the movies and enjoyed Ben’s creative dinners. Buck found great joy in calling “that boy” when Ben’s Green Bay Packers tanked. Ben would usually just hang up and Buck would get a great chuckle from his mischievous antics.
Sundays were for football, food and family. Bucko would never miss an opportunity to root for the Dallas Cowboys with his dad. They traveled to stadiums around the country to watch games, but nothing compared to the memories made at home with Diane’s spread, Bucko and his girls, and Rita by his side. One particular highlight of Buck’s life is when Bucko was named Chief of Police in Newark. Shortly thereafter though, Buck would experience the greatest heartache of his life – when he lost his precious Bucko. We rejoice in the promise of eternal life, and we find peace knowing that Bucko was waiting with open arms for his dad.
Buck was a devout Catholic and longtime member of Holy Family Parish, in Newark.
Buck is survived by his sweet Rita; his son, Ben (Karen); and his daughter, Diane. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Katie (Jim), Annie (Kevin), Stephanie (Lana), Erin (Kevin) and Benjamin (Nicole). Buck was blessed with seven great grandchildren, William, Abigail, Jaxon, Parker, Willie, Lawson and Levi. He also leaves behind family friend, Christine Horne, who worked tirelessly to care for Buck. Buck will also be dearly missed by family members he held so close to his heart, Marianne Johnson (Buck’s sister-in-law who traveled from Nevada to Newark and stayed for months to care for him), Rune, Diane, Runey, Matty and Gaby Johnson, in addition to great friends, the Bobik family.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11:30 am on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Holy Family R.C. Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 am. Entombment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Nefosky’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org/donate/).
Jane Woolsey
My sincere sympathy for the Nefosky family. Buck will be missed by everyone in this little circle . Especially by me.
Ed Pankowski
Buck a great father who raised a great family …. RIP BUCK !
Nick Picollelli
Ben,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your father.
I will keep him in my prayers.
Nick
Penni Stewart
Dear Ben, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I can certainly see now where you got your wit and charm from. My most sincere condolences to you and your family. Prayers 🙏🏻
Frances Thomas
The lost of a husband father grandfather and friend is so hard to bear praying for the family of Mr Nefosky knowing that he his absent from his body but present with the Lord.
Denene skinner
Stephanie my heart brakes for your family. Especially you I listened to you talk about both of you grandparents. Especially of your grand father. I pray god wraps his arms around you and is of comfort even know you’re hurting. What a glorious place he’s in heaven. My Prayers are with you and your family if you need me I’m here ❤️
Matthew John Jamison
Ben & Family, I’m sorry to learn of your Father’s passing. It sounds as if he was a great man, who lived a wonderful life – longtime love, family, career and being involved. It is obvious he was extremely proud of you. May our Heavenly Father be with you during this difficult time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Susan Poley
So sorry for your loss. Glad Grand Pop had a long, loving life.
RIP 🙏🏼
Michael Picollelli
Ben,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. Isn’t it quite something how a thing so insignificant as the outcome of a game, can be the foundation of a never forgotten memory. That is the stuff of immortality. Godspeed Buck.
Mike
Denise and Jim Hansen
Dear Nefosky family, Please accept our deepest and most sincere sympathy over the loss of your treasured Patriach. May he rest in ever lasting life with those who went before him. Xo