Kermit Tucker

Kermit Tucker, 54, of Marcellus, left his beloved family on Saturday, January 19, 2019 to fly with the angels. He was an amazing warrior, fully living with cancer for more than 31/2 years, while he cherished and enjoyed each day to the fullest. He was so happy to share with the family many gatherings, celebrations and trips. During that time, they made two trips to Aruba, a place he loved.

Kerm spent his youth in Cortland attending St. Mary's and Cortland High School. He stayed connected with many of his school mates over the years and was so pleased several came to visit him a week before his passing. He received his bachelor's degree from Mansfield University. For many years, he owned a ServiceMaster franchise and served many in the Cayuga County area. Since 2004, he was employed as a senior medical device representative with Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson company. He cherished working in local operating rooms, treating patients as if they were family, and helping surgeons achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

On his 50th birthday, he was surprised with a flight over the Finger Lakes and his home. His family was in the backyard waving as the plane dipped its wings in recognition.

Kerm was an avid football fan, especially of SU and was excited to watch them win the Camping World Bowl on his birthday a few weeks ago. He was a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Church and Holy Family Church in Fairmount. He was a member of Pine Grove where he made many deep and lasting friendships. He enjoyed boating on Owasco Lake, flying and working out but above all, loved spending time with his family and was devoted to his Catholic faith. Kerm was a father figure to many and impacted many peoples' lives.

Left to cherish Kerm’s memory are his wife of 18 years, the former Lori Houser; son, Jacob; daughter, Kailee; parents, Ellen and Dave Tucker of Cortland/Camillus; sisters, Margie and Gretchen; mother-in-law, Audrey Houser; brother-in-law, John Houser and family; and several nieces, nephews and many good friends.

The family would like to thank Hospice of CNY, especially nurse, Cathy, for the wonderful comfort care and guidance.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, January 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 25 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Spring burial will be private in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Marcellus.

Kerm will be greatly missed and forever remembered. When you touch the lives of others, that bond and love endure forever.

Kerm lived by the motto, “Pay it forward.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kermit’s name to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.