Walter “Buck” G. Berdan passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, surrounded by family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on July 29, 1949, to Leonard and Margaret (Bliss) Berdan.
Buck grew up hiking, camping, swimming and caving all over New York with his brothers and his many cousins and friends. He was an Eagle Scout, a certified scuba diver, enjoyed sailing his numerous boats over the years, and he was an avid winter camper.
Buck graduated from Schoharie Central School in 1967 and enrolled in Union College, Schenectady, New York. His education was interrupted when he volunteered to serve two tours in the Vietnam War. From 1970 to 1972 Buck was a cryptographic Specialist 5 with an armored cavalry unit of the 23rd “Americal” infantry division.
Following his return from Vietnam, Buck began working with troubled youths at group homes in Albany and Troy. He then became a teacher at Camp Cass, a correctional facility for juvenile offenders. In addition to working to rehabilitate troubled kids, Buck dedicated himself to helping people who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. He celebrated 40 years of sobriety in 2025.
Following a serious car crash in the 1980s, Buck became an EMT and joined the Middleburgh and Schoharie Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He served for 30 years, responding to over 1800 emergencies and his service was recognized by a special award from the New York State Legislature. A lifelong skier, he also volunteered with the National Ski Patrol at Plattekill and Royal Mountain for over a decade. 2008-2020
Aside from a call to service, Buck discovered a newfound faith in Jesus following his accident. He worshipped at the Schoharie Reformed Church regularly for the rest of his life. Following his retirement, he volunteered regularly at church events and the town church camp. He taught Sunday school for many years and frequently brought friends and strangers alike to church with him. On his last Sunday before passing, he attended the christening ceremony for his grandson, James.
Buck’s large extended family was very important to him. He is survived by his children: Rebecca and Garrett (Ama); his grandson James; his brothers Leonard (Margaret) and William (Carey Anne); his longtime companion Sheila Kennedy; and many Berdan, Snyder and Grogan cousins, nephews, and nieces. The family would like to extend special thanks to Joseph Tetteh for his kindness and care during Buck’s final years.
A Memorial service was held on September 13, 2025 at the Schoharie Reformed Church, Schoharie, NY. Interment followed in the Old Stone Fort Cemetery, Schoharie.
Please honor Buck’s request to volunteer time or resources to help the church, a local EMS/fire agency, or any other charitable cause dear to them.
