Ralph Leo Buckel Jr.

Ralph Leo Buckel, Jr. passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on August 21, 2023, at the age of 81. He was born on June 26, 1942, in Cumberland, MD, the son of the late Ralph Leo Buckel, Sr., and Ethel (Shawley) Buckel. To his family and close friends, he was affectionately known as “Buck.” He graduated from Northern Garrett High School in 1960 before attending the University of Maryland, earning his undergraduate degree in poultry science. He then attended University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He met his wife, Sara Gray, while they worked at the U. S. Department of Agriculture. They were married on April 16, 1966, and raised four children together. After graduating from veterinary school in 1968, he started working with Dr. Alvin MacKay at the Chestertown Animal Hospital. Dr. Buckel became Dr. Mackay’s partner in the practice and was well-known among the local dairy farms. “Dr. B” or “Doc Buckel” had a soothing bedside manner for his small and large animal patients and their owners. He was passionate about his work and never hesitated to answer an emergency call. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, American Veterinary Medical Association, Maryland Veterinary Medical Association, 4-H All Stars, Maryland Farm Bureau, and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. He enjoyed outdoor activities, sports, and being an active member of his church. He served in several leadership roles at church and especially enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a fan of Georgia Bulldog football and Maryland Terrapins basketball. He loved returning to his home of Bittinger, MD, in Garrett County, relaxing with his family in Ocean City, hunting and cutting wood at his Kennedyville farm, pursuing Ruffed Grouse in Minnesota with his bird dogs, and fishing at sunset on the Chesapeake Bay. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sara Gray Buckel; three sons, Lee Buckel (Julie), Jeffrey Buckel (Christine), Mark Buckel (Tamy); a daughter, Cathryn Nash (Seamus); a sister, Judy Perkins; a brother; James Buckel; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Patrick, Alyssa, Sam, Andrew, Gray, Ella, Sara Cathryn, William; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 11:00 am at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home in Chestertown. A visitation will be held one hour prior, from 10 -11 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to a charity of your choice.

Ralph Leo Buckel Jr.

June 26, 1942 - August 21, 2023