Obituaries

Former Setauket Resident and USS Buck Surviver Dies

Garth H. Wieder of Setauket died on October 4, 2013 in Orlando, Florida. He was 91 years old.

Submitted by DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes

Garth H. Wieder of Setauket died on October 4, 2013 in Orlando, Florida.  He was 91 years old.

Weider was born in Attica, Ohio on October 2, 1922 to Glide and graduated high school in 1940.  He joined the United States Navy and while serving on the USS Buck on October 9, 1943, the ship was torpedoed. The boat sank off the Isle of Capri and of 275 crew members just 87 survived the disaster.  For 22 hours, he and four other men held on to a 4 by 4 piece of wood until being picked up by another ship.  He retired from the Navy in 1946.

Weider then enjoyed a long career with the New York Telephone Company as district manager of public relations. He retired in1982 and during his retirement years enjoyed antiquing.

Predeceased by his wife Loretta and a granddaughter Ashley Tripptree; he is survived by two daughters: Charity (Ken) and Faith (Richie); five grandchildren: Gregory, Jennifer, Colleen, Ryan and Patrick and one great-grandson, Christopher.

Graveside services were held on Oct. 9, (the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Buck) at the Calverton National Cemetery.  U.S. Naval honors were rendered and prayer services were conducted by Father Bruce Power. Arrangements were entrusted to the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes. 


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