Obituary of Gerald L. Buckingham

Gerald L. Buckingham, 92, of Maplewood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at University Hospital in Newark.

Born in Newark and raised in Maplewood NJ, Gerald was an active member of the community, residing there for most of his life. He was a graduate of Carteret Prep School in West Orange. He was a proud veteran, who honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955.

Gerald dedicated 35 years of service to NJ Transit in Irvington, where he worked as both a bus driver and dispatcher. In 1969, he founded Buckingham Termite & Pest Control in Maplewood. As owner and operator, he built a trusted family business through his hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving his customers for more than five decades.

Gerald was a lifelong parishioner of Saint Joseph’s Church in Maplewood. When his sons were in the Boy Scouts, he was a constant presence on their camping trips, often volunteering as a chaperone. He was also a long-standing member of the Maplewood Lions Club, where he frequently organized group trips to Atlantic City.

Above all, Gerald was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving sons, Gerald W. and Martin R. Buckingham and his cherished grandchildren, Lisa Buckingham and Kara Puglio.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Alma C. (Fingler) Buckingham; his daughters, Caroline S. Buckingham and Kathleen Richard-May; and his siblings, Jean Atkins and John "Jack" Buckingham.

Gerald will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his dedication to his community, his years of faithful service, and the love he shared with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Avenue, Maplewood. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Joseph's Church, 767 Prospect Street, Maplewood. Interment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park in Union.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald's memory to Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 (woundedwarriorproject.org) would be appreciated.