Obituary of Lance W. Squires

Lance Wilcox “Bucky” Squires, 80, of Bath, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2024, after a courageous year long battle with lung cancer. 

Bucky was born in Bath, NY, on June 8, 1943, to the late Raymond “Scoop” and Doris Wilcox Squires. He graduated from Haverling Central School in 1961 and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. He served on bases in the US as well as in Turkey and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1965 as an airman second class. He was extremely proud to have served his country. 

Bucky was a letter carrier for the Bath Postal Service until his retirement in 1998. He thoroughly enjoyed all of his postal customers as well as seeing their children grow up over the years. 

Bucky married Mary Ann Gavagan on July 9, 1966. They were married for 57 years and together they raised two daughters, Stephanie and Julie. 

In his younger years, he lettered in football, wrestling and baseball while in high school. He enjoyed hunting with his father and brother, playing gin and euchre, cheering on Notre Dame football and UConn Women’s basketball. He had numerous lifelong friends that he had fun chatting with on his daily visits to the Elks Club and the American Legion. 

After retirement, Bucky took on his most favorite job, that of Poppa to his five grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, taking them on drives, getting ice cream, attending all their sporting events and activities. He took great pride in them and all of their accomplishments. 

Bucky loved to travel and he and Mary Ann traveled extensively through the US; Hawaii was his favorite vacation destination. They also enjoyed trips to Ireland, England and Scotland, as well as many cruises. 

In his later years, as Mayor of East Washington St., he loved sitting on his front porch waving to folks who beeped as they drove by. He kept a good watch on the neighborhood!  He also loved driving around the area in his Mustang convertible with Mary Ann or his grandkids. 

Bucky was a life member of the Elks Club, the American Legion, VFW, Cook Hose Company and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a former member of the Bath Fire Department. 

Bucky was the BEST Santa!!  He lovingly played the role for many years at the Elks Club, police department, credit union and most especially for Christmas parties for his grandchildren and their friends. 

Bucky is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, their daughters Stephanie (Dr. Rick) Czajkowski and Julie (Rick) Faulkner as well as his beloved grandchildren, Madelyn, Evan and Meredith Czajkowski and Raegan and Macy Faulkner. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters Sharon Little and Tracy Squires and  brother Jeff Squires. 

The family wishes to thank Patsy and Mark De Serio, Bill and Lisa Herrick, Carla Hoad, Ken and Kristine Gilbert, Phil and Lee Dickson, Bob and Frieda Wheeler, Kay and Tink Beckman as well as the many doctors and nurses at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center and the Falck Center, the compassionate staff at Care First and the amazing people on the VA Home Based Primary Care team. Additionally, they would like to thank all the family and friends who visited, called and checked in on Bucky over the past year- all the love and kindness was very much appreciated. 

Per Bucky’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services, burial will be Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11 am at the Bath National Cemetery with full military honors, Father Jim Jaeger officiating. A celebration of Bucky’s life will be held on Saturday, February 24th at 1pm at the Bath American Legion. 

Donations in Bucky’s name can be made to St. Jude’s, the Finger Lakes SPCA or a charity of one’s choice.