Eugene "Buck" Blair Berkey

Eugene "Buck" Blair Berkey, of Spring Mills, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in State College after a short illness.  He was 72.  Born April 22, 1953, in Johnstown, Buck was a son of Bruce S. and Shirley A. (McCombie) Berkey of State College.  He was a graduate of State College High School class of '72.  On May 26, 1984, he married Sandra (Fisher) Berkey who survives.

For most of his life, Buck was employed as a lumber mill supervisor.  He was a member of the Nittany Antique Machinery Association (NAMA) where he had served as past show chairman, past president, and was a former member of the Board of Directors.  He enjoyed his collection of antique John Deere tractors and machinery.  Throughout the area, he was renowned for his apple butter and delicious soups, especially the ham and bean, all cooked with his antique steam engine.  He was also a member of the Millheim Lions Club.  In his spare time, Buck loved fishing, hunting, and attending Penn State wrestling matches.  Above all else, he loved spending time with his grandchildren who called him “Big Pappy.”  He will be missed.

In addition to his parents and wife, Buck is survived by two daughters, Heather Budnovitch (Steven) and Ashley Helman (Jason) both of Moscow, PA; one son, Luke Berkey (Krystal) of Centre Hall and two sisters, Karen Metzger (Lee) of PA Furnace and Arlene Stahlman of Bellefonte.  Also surviving are four granddaughters, Emma Marie, Elliott Elizabeth, Peyton Abigail, and James Victoria and three grandsons, Noah Robert, Logan Bruce, and Owen James. Buck was preceded in death by his brother, Bruce “Skip” Berkey and his brother-in-law, Brian “Bud” Stahlman.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 6-8 pm at Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim.  The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 am with Pastor David Hersch officiating.  Buck will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Millheim.  Contributions in his memory may be given to NAMA, c/o Jim Markle, 2113 Brushwood Drive, State College, PA 16801.  

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