Mike ‘Buck’ Schuermann, Rockville Centre resident, died on Jan. 15

Mike Schuermann, known to many as “Buck,” died suddenly on Jan. 15, collapsing on the way to his car after playing football with his friends in Rockville Centre. His wife, Pat, said the cause of his death is not known.

Born in Forest Hills on Sept. 20, 1961, Mike was a friend, coach, teammate, uncle, cousin and co-worker. He touched many lives and was loved by many. Above all, Pat said, he was a wonderful husband, her best friend for 27 years, and an adoring father, who relished being with Courtney, Mick and Kelsey. If his kids were on the field — Mickey with his baseball, Kelsey with her softball and Courtney with her dancing and cheerleading — Mike was there with his coffee.

Living with him, said Pat, was like living with a quiet comedian. He had a great sense of humor, a quick wit and a line for everything. His many unique phrases came to be known as “buckisms.” One of his pleasures, and a great gift, was making people laugh. He also loved sports and TV sitcom trivia.

In a eulogy, Pat spoke of her “blessed” life with her husband, one that took them to wonderful places. She recalled Christmas parties and the many laughs and good times they shared with family and friends. After moving to Varick Court, she said that Mike would always find an excuse to play a game of pool, watch a football game in the den or jump into the hot tub. She mentioned the beautiful gifts he bought his family and his treasured Christmas ornaments. An infamous leg lamp, she said, will shine through her home’s window on Hempstead Avenue for all to see. She said she will never be able to part with that lamp.

A graduate of East Rockaway High School and Adelphi University, Mike would meet his lifetime friends in the village he loved growing up in. He considered himself lucky to be part of two wonderful communities.

Pat described her husband as a great guy, a good-hearted person who always had a smile on his face. It was his pleasure to encourage and help people. One way he did help was by being among the founders of the National Kidney Registry, an organization that has saved many lives.

Mike worked at Capital One. He loved his job and his co-workers. After his death, a Michael R. Schuermann Memorial Fund was established by the bank. Those wishing to contribute in his name can send donations to Capital One Bank, P.O. Box 586, Rockville Centre, NY 11571 or to the Camp ANCHOR Building Fund, 630 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach, NY 11561.

Mike’s funeral Mass took place at St. Agnes Cathedral on Jan. 20. His wife said she wished to thank the Rockville Centre community for its outpouring of love and support. She also mentioned Rockville Centre’s fire and police rescue response, which she said was “amazing,” and specifically wanted to thank Trustee Ed Oppenheimer, Mayor Francis Murray, Officer Quigley and Nassau Det. Slevin.