January 28, 1940 - November 25, 2023
Buck DelNero passed away in the early morning of November 25, 2023 at the age of 83 in Lodi, CA. Buck was born in French Camp, CA on January 28, 1940 to Denny and Gladys(Emslie) DelNero.
His family settled in Tracy, CA where Buck, along with his older sister Sandra, attended elementary through high school. His favorite childhood activities were fishing, hunting and playing with his friends in the rural Tracy area.
Buck was an amazing sportsman, playing football, basketball, and baseball during his high school career. He won various awards, including the Peter B. Kyne award for football and being inducted into the Tracy sports Hall of Fame. Because of his athletic prowess, he left numerous memories for area sports fans and was referred to as Tracy's athlete of the 50's.
Buck went on to attend Stockton college(1958-1960) and College of the Pacific(UOP) (1960-1964). He continued to excel in sports, obtaining many awards and a scholarship during his college years.
He was called into the national guard during the Berlin Crisis in 1961 serving approx 8 months.
During his time in college, Buck met and married the love of his life, Judith Ardyne (Helton) Del Nero and welcomed three daughters: Stacey (DelNero) Edalgo, Shelley (DelNero) Edwards, and Shannon DelNero. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren followed to enrich their lives.
Buck fulfilled his life long dream of becoming a game warden for the state of California and enjoyed a long career patrolling the Delta region which he loved.
After retirement, Buck and Judy enjoyed many great years in Baja Mexico which they dearly cherished.
He will be remembered as a man of integrity, honesty, loyalty and responsibility. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Buck's presence will be deeply missed but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Del Nero family.