Gerald "Jerry" Buch, Jr., 49, a resident of Dutchess County since 1985 and formerly of Dobbs Ferry, died on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at his home, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in the Bronx on July 17, 1960, Jerry was the son of Gerald and Maureen Carroll Buch of Maryland, NY.  He was employed as an Administrative Captain for the Westchester County Department of Corrections in Valhalla for 27 years until his retirement in 2008.  He was a parishioner of Blessed Kateri Church in LaGrangeville.  He was a member of the Diamond Thistle Lodge #555, Free & Accepted Masons in Tarrytown and a member and past recorder for the Mecca Shriners in New York City.  He enjoyed blacksmithing and golfing.

On May 31, 1980 at Mount Mercy Chapel in Dobbs Ferry, Jerry married Mary Ellen Schiavo who survives at home.  In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his daughters, Megan Buch-Lowery and her husband, Andrew of East Fishkill, Candace Piechowicz and her husband, Kevin of Wappingers Falls and Jamie Buch of East Fishkill; and his father and mother-in-law, Patrick and Patricia Schiavo of Ocala, FL.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Kateri Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, 249 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.