A Unique Obituary For Gerard A. 'Jerry' Buckholz, 77, Of Lacey

Courtesy of Riggs Funeral Home:

Jerry would like to let you know that his work here was done as of Friday, April 1, 2016.

He received a call, a sort of an offer he couldn't refuse. This call comes with a reunion with family and friends that he has not seen in a long time.

His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be able to see his Mom, Alice, and his brother, Tommy, and play golf once again with his Dad, Gerard A. Buckholz, Sr. and his Uncle Tom. He will also be able to play a few rounds with many of his golfing buddies who passed before him proving his claim to them all that he was truly the "Best Putter East of the Mississippi!"

He left detailed instructions for his wife of 54 years, "Betty", his children, family, and friends to celebrate his mission here, which has now been completed

We will remember his great personality and wit, warmth, sense of humor, and his love for family, friends, Mets, and Giants (the latter few items in no particular order). Born in Jersey City, he grew up in Roselle, NJ and in 1956, he graduated from Abraham Clark High School.

He was employed as an Operations Manager for AT&T and retired in 1995 after more than 40 years of employment with the phone company. He served our country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 and then he married his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" in 1962 and they raised their three children in Lakewood, NJ. After Betty retired, they moved to Forked River in 2003, where he enjoyed life near the water, playing golf, and as a member of the Lacey Elks.

He is survived by many family members who loved him dearly. A son, Tom Buckholz and daughter-in-law, Thomie Buckholz of Jackson, a daughter, Darlene Buckholz of Forked River, and a daughter, Geri-Lynn (Buckholz) Van Sant and son-in-law, Buddy Van Sant of Forked River. Near and dear to him were also the rest of his family, a sister, Carol Piotrowski and brother in law Tom Piotrowski of Myrtle Beach, SC, a sister, Marilyn Belluscio and brother-in-law, Vincent Belluscio of Roselle, NJ, four granddaughters, Lyndi, Lacee, Haylee, and Kolbi of Jackson, NJ, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6th at the Riggs Funeral Home at 130 Rt. 9 North (North Main St.), Forked River, where you can celebrate his wonderful life and remember all the fun times and laughs you had with him throughout the years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 7 at Riggs Funeral Home. Interment will be at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery in Lakewood. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lacey Elks, 900 Beach Blvd., Forked River, NJ 08731.