William J Buchan

With deep sorrow, the family announces the peaceful passing of William John Daniel Buchan, affectionately known as “Billy” and “Bucky,” at the age of 60 in Pearl River, NY. Surrounded by his devoted family, he embraced his final journey on Tuesday, July 18th. William was born in Manhattan to Dr. William and Anne (Moore) Buchan and spent his formative years in Blauvelt. He attended St. Catharine’s Grammar School, where he volunteered as an altar server. It was at Albertus Magnus High School where he met Susan Doyle, the love of his life. They married at St. Margaret of Antioch Church on April 16th, 1988.

Billy pursued higher education at Fordham University, followed by John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Graduating from the esteemed New York Police Academy, he embarked on a dedicated career as a correctional officer, serving in both the Bronx and Rikers Island.

A committed resident of Pearl River, Billy actively engaged in volunteer work, lending his time to various activities. A man of faith, Billy served as a eucharisitc minister at St. Margaret’s. Later on, he assumed the role of Cubmaster for Pack 134, passionately leading the St. Margaret’s Cub Scout program by organizing activities, outings, and service projects, and served several years as the St. Margaret’s CYO Basketball Coordinator.

Billy’s pride and joy were his three children. He loved to spend his free time mentoring, supporting, and coaching them. He coached his sons in Pearl River Little League, St. Margaret’s baseball, and the Pearl River All-Star team, and invested numerous hours serving on the Little League Board of Directors. Billy was recognized by the West Nyack Swim Club with a medal for his years of volunteer work with the swim team. He was always on the sidelines avidly supporting his children in soccer, football, cross country, basketball, baseball, track, and lacrosse. Having coached both his son and daughter’s basketball teams for many years, Billy’s proudest accomplishment was leading the 7th-grade girls team to the State Championship after winning the Rockland County CYO Championship. 

A child at heart, Billy was known for his loud, fun-loving personality. He brightened the lives of those around him with playful pranks, ridiculous stories, and boisterously singing Bruce Springsteen songs. His signature dish, penne alla vodka, became a staple at his children’s pasta parties, family celebrations, and when providing a comforting meal to a friend in need. Proudly Irish, Billy loved his family’s St. Patrick’s Day party, starting the day early by blasting Irish music. 

Billy is survived by his beloved wife Susan (Doyle), their children Jimmy, Ryan, and Kelly, his mother Anne Buchan, and his siblings Maureen (Mike) VerSchneider, Anne (Chris) Moran, John (Jana) Buchan, and Dr. Kathleen (Rob) Kelly. He is also lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law Mary Doyle, sister-in-law Dr. Joyce (Holt) Sanders as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of long-time friends. In the face of life's challenges, Billy exemplified extraordinary strength that inspired all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by all.   

Visiting is Thursday, July 20th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Friday at St. Margaret R. C. Church, Pearl River. 

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