Dedication ceremony honors the late George Buckbee Sr.
NEW MILFORD, Conn. — A portion of Route 67 in New Milford has been renamed in memory of a longtime public civil servant, George Buckbee Sr.
Buckbee died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.
Friends and family gathered Saturday, Sept. 20, to reflect on the life and spirit of Buckbee, who served with New Milford Ambulance for over 70 years and Water Witch Hose Co. #2 for over 50 years.
In addition, he was New Milford town clerk and postmaster.
The portion of the road named for the veteran begins in front of Water Witch Hose Co. #2.
Deborah Rose/Carol Buckbee, widow of George Buckbee Sr., receives a wrist corsage from her great-niece, Emily Froelich, of Brookfield.
Deborah Rose/Laura Lewis, daughter of Carol Buckbee and the late George Buckbee Sr., greets longtime friend Jeff Kimball before the start of the ceremony.
Deborah Rose/Shelley Sommerville, a former neighbor of the Buckbees in New Milford who now lives in New Hampshire, shares a loving hug with Carol Buckbee.
Deborah Rose/Bill Buckbee, son of Carol and the late George Buckbee Sr., , left, chats with one of the many family members on Carol’s side, Paul Johr, who attended the ceremony.
Deborah Rose/Carol Buckbee and her son, Bill, appreciate the reflection State Representative Pat Callahan makes about George and his service in New Milford, saying the former postman and town clerk “not only dedicated his life to family, but to the community.”
Deborah Rose/Attendees listen closely as Mayor Pete Bass describes George as “a true hero, a true gentleman.”
Deborah Rose/State Senator Stephen Harding addresses Carol Buckbee and family members at the ceremony. After emphasizing the lifelong service George Buckbee Sr. gave to his community, Harding said, “If we can’t name a road after George, who can we?”
Deborah Rose/Dylan Lewis, grandson of George Buckbee Sr., expresses his continued amazement that everyone he knows and meets knew his grandfather.
Deborah Rose/Carol Buckbee and her son, Bill, fondly remember the humor of George Buckbee Sr.
Deborah Rose/Guests from throughout the community attend the ceremony.
Deborah Rose/The dedication attracted members of the fire department, ambulance, and community.
Deborah Rose/As if meant to be, the sun shines down on family and friends gathered to honor the late George Buckbee Sr. The sign for the road is located on a small grassy area just behind the American flag in the photo.
Deborah Rose/Members of the Buckbee family unveil the sign outside Water Witch Hose Co. #2.
Deborah Rose/George Buckbee, son of George Buckbee Sr., admires the small version of the sign that bears his father's name.
Deborah Rose/Carol Buckbee, third from left, is flanked by, from left, her son and daugher-in-law, George and Mary Ellen Buckbee, grandson Bryce Lewis, daughter Laura Lewis, grandson Dylan Lewis, and son Bill Buckbee.
Deborah Rose/A portion of license plates from George Buckbee Sr.'s collection is on view for all guests to see.
Deborah Rose/A reception followed the ceremony held at Water Witch Hose Co. #2.
