Donald H. Gucker

February 27, 1936 - May 18, 2023

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Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, "A Life Celebration Home"

38 State Highway 31

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-782-3311 |

Saturday 6/3, 2:00 pm - 3:45 pm

service

Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, "A Life Celebration Home"

38 State Highway 31

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-782-3311 |

Saturday 6/3, 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm

Donald H. Gucker, age 87, formerly of Bridgewater, NJ, and Lakewood Ranch, FL, died peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2023, in Flemington, NJ, surrounded by his loving children.

Born on February 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, Donald graduated from Rutgers University, NJ, in 1957. While at Rutgers, Donald was an All-American lacrosse player, received the Donald Leslie Coursen Trophy, was a member of the Interfraternity Council, and a member of the Cap and Skull Society.

In 1961, Donald graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry where he met his wife, Dorothy. Upon graduation, Donald joined the Air Force Reserves where he was a Captain in the 4th Tactical Hospital of the Fourth Tactical Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC.

Donald opened his dental practice in 1963 in Somerville, NJ. After a few years he moved his practice to Bridgewater, NJ, where he practiced until he retired in 1996.

Along with his wife, Donald raised his family in Bridgewater, NJ, living there for 45 years. Donald was a member of the Rotary Club of Somerville and Bridgewater, NJ, where he devoted many hours volunteering to helping others in need.

After retiring Donald and his wife spent their time in Lakewood Ranch, FL, making many new friends. Donald loved traveling with his wife, tennis, golf, fishing, and volunteering in the community. Some of Donald’s fondest memories were family ski trips, fly fishing in Montana and in Wyoming with his sons, and the many summers spent with his wife and children in Surf City, LBI, NJ.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents Leonard P. Gucker and Agnes R. (Hunter) Gucker, his wife Dorothy E. (Shook) Gucker, and his sister Janet (Gucker) Hastings.

Donald is survived by his three loving children, Judith A. (Scott) Contursi, Jeffrey D. (Shelley) Gucker, and Christopher M. Gucker; as well as five beautiful granddaughters.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 2:00 -3:45 p.m., in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Life celebration services officiated by Rev. Chris Smalls will take place at 3:45 p.m. at the funeral home and to which all are welcome.

Interment will be private.

You are encouraged to visit Donald’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

________________________

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, "A Life Celebration Home"

38 State Highway 31

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-782-3311 | Map

Saturday 6/3, 2:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, "A Life Celebration Home"

38 State Highway 31

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-782-3311 | Map

Saturday 6/3, 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm

Donald H. Gucker, age 87, formerly of Bridgewater, NJ, and Lakewood Ranch, FL, died peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2023, in Flemington, NJ, surrounded by his loving children. Born on February 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, Donald graduated from Rutgers University, NJ, in 1957. While at Rutgers, Donald was an All-American lacrosse player, received theContinue Reading

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Our sincere condolences from the Hagan and Hughes families.

Jeff, Judy & Chris, we have known your family since there was bacon on grilled cheese. Your Dad will be greatly missed. With Love.

I just learned of this very sad news. Don was a classmate at Roselle Park High School from which we both graduated seventy years ago this month. I send my sincere condolences to all members of his family. He was a most talented individual with whom I enjoyed conversing at our occasional reunions. Rest in Peace!

Dear Judy. Jeff & Chris - My sincere condolences on the passing of your father. I was Dr. Gucker's first dental assistant when he opened his dental practice in Somerville. I spent seven wonderful years in his employ and truly enjoyed working for him. My family and I hold your dad in highest regard. He was the best example of a gentleman. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and sincere friendship shined. His sense of humor was so enjoyed. It has been a true privilege to have known him and worked for him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.The Wilson family;Susan & Kevin, Courtney & Brian, Catherine & Matthew

Florist’s Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Donald H. Gucker by The Wilson family. Send Flowers

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Judi and Family - Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Serenity Wreath was purchased for the family of Donald H. Gucker by Anonymous. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Donald H. Gucker

Miss 50+ years practicing side by side, as well as fishing out of Belmar and swimming in North Sound BVI. Don was one who deserved respect and admiration.

Dear Judy, Jeff & Chris - my sincere condolences on the passing of your father. I have many fond memories for several years starting when I was In High School and continuing on for a few years. Your Dad was kind and generous and was so proud of all of you. May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to Don's family. He was a wonderful man - always smiling! I had the pleasure of being Don, Dot and Muffy's neighbor in Lakewood Ranch. I miss them all dearly. Jennifer

My sincese sympathy on passing of Doctor Gucker. My entire family were dental patients from the early 70s and were very pleased with the care and dental services of your dear father. RIP Doctor Gucker

Don was our neighbor in Lakewood Ranch for many years. He always had a smile and a greeting. He was affectionately known as The Mayor of our street. He loved visitors - with a special welcome to pets and grandchildren. He was proud of his children and grandchildren; sharing news about accomplishments and favorite vacations. Don is missed. Condolences to Don's family and friends.

With much love - you will always be in our hearts.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Donald H. Gucker . Plant a Tree

Don was such a great neighbor and friend to us in Lakewood Ranch. We have missed seeing him and Muffy over the past few years. He has been and will be missed. Condolences to his family whom he loved and spoke of often.

Don was a good friend, a devoted husband, a proud father and a beaming grandparent. He loved the out of doors and always looked for the best in each person. He was courteous, kind and respectful. He will be missed.

Your father was a wonderful man and will be remembered and missed for a very long time. We are very sorry for your loss.

America the Beautiful was purchased for the family of Donald H. Gucker by Lisa and Tom Roll. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Donald H. Gucker

Treasured Lilies Spray was purchased for the family of Donald H. Gucker by Gary and Pierce Contursi. Send Flowers

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.