Kathleen "Bucky" Kmak

April 15, 1936 - February 22, 2021

Kathleen “Bucky” Kmak, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 22, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. A lover of books, and an avid reader, Bucky’s family is saddened to be closing this chapter, but they’re also grateful to be part of the story she leaves behind. Born April 15, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY to Charles and Kathleen Small, she lived most of her life in Keansburg, NJ. She went on to marry the love of her life, John Kmak, in 1956, who she spent many happy years with until he passed away on Halloween in 1978. Together, they raised her four surviving children, Robin Hosey, John Kmak, Lisa Lacey, and Brian Kmak. Bucky went on to have 7 grandchildren who adored her like no other, and 4 great-grandchildren whose photos she would show to anyone patient enough to wait for her to find them on her cell phone: Richelle Sheehan, Christopher Hosey, Scott Pillar, Samantha Hosey, Thomas Lacey, Emily Kmak, Braden Kmak, Charlotte Sheehan, Cora Sheehan, Claire Sheehan, and Harper Pillar. Often, they would argue over who was actually her favorite, but that’s only because she always made each of them feel so individually special. In addition to reading, Bucky loved the Mets, Giants, Jersey tomatoes, Hallmark movies, and the Game Show Network; but, most important to her was the time spent with her family and friends. She was often the life of the party and her feistiness and sarcasm served her well until her final days. Aside from her devoted husband, John Kmak, Bucky was also predeceased by her parents, siblings, and many friends throughout her time. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she leaves behind their life-partners, spouses and family who she considered her own: Rich Hosey, Nicole Kmak, Jill Osterbye, Randy Gumpel, Tom Sheehan, Kay Hosey, Corinne Pillar, Melissa Lacey, Bethany, Hailey, and Colten; as well as many nieces and nephews, and her in-laws who became some of her best friends. Family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, from 3-6 pm at Laurel Avenue Funeral Home in Hazlet, NJ. In memory of Bucky, we ask that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild, or friend, as time waits for no one.