Clarence Newton Geter, aka “Bucky” was born November 16, 1939 to Clarence James and Mary Caroline Geter in Elmira, NY. He was one of four sons. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Roland S. Geter and sisters Mildred Campbell, Catherine Ellison, Mary and Anna Barrett.

Bucky was a graduate of the Elmira City School District. During his elementary days it became evident that he was musically inclined, as he was increasingly attracted to various instruments and sought to play them. Bucky’s success with the instruments was due to being gifted to “play by ear”. He conquered the trumpet, clarinet, trombone, violin, and his most treasured, the piano. He participated in the school marching band as well as other school activities that would display his instrumental skills. Additionally, he enjoyed singing. He sang with many community and church choirs and groups throughout his lifetime. He also assisted many area churches in their Sunday morning worship services and organized a men’s choir at the Elmira Correctional Facility where he joined his pastor, the Late Bishop Cephas McGee, Jr. for Sunday morning worship. Bucky worked diligently with the Reconciliation Choir and the A.C.T.S. Resurrection Sunrise Service.

In October 1961 Bucky joined the US Navy and served as a Signalman on the USS Shangri-LA CVA33. While docked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard a friend invited him to First Church of God In Christ. He regularly attended the services and choir rehearsals as a “Watch Care Member”. The Youth department leaders at that time, Deacon Walter and Ruth Nealy embraced him as their spiritually adopted son. He served as the church pianist. Yes, it was here that he met the love of his life, Leola M. Mountain. In June 1964 Bucky and Leola were joined in Holy Matrimony. To this union 4 children were born: Eric, Taheisha, Terrance, and Todd.

The time came when Bucky and Leola moved the family to Elmira, NY so that Bucky could assist his mother with her beauty salon as her health was failing. Throughout the years he has pursued several endeavors: (Proprietor) Mr. B’s Cos-Boutique Hair Salon, photography, singing greeter at Walmart, he even built his own motorized trike - which he painted yellow. In February 2024, Bucky was the recipient of the “Icon Award” during the Black Community Honors Award Program. Mayor Daniel Mandell, Jr. proclaimed this day as “Bucky Geter Day” in the City of Elmira.

He leaves to cherish his memory—his wife of 61 years, Leola Geter; children: Eric Geter, Taheisha (David) Joyce, Terrance X, Todd I. and Jamal L. Geter; siblings: Robert and Cedric Geter, Viola, Clarence, Andrew, Naomi and Joey Ragsdale, Roxanne, Delscia and Dorothy Barrett; In-Laws: Tommy and Lydia Saffold, Estelle Burley, Alma Mountain; Daughters-In-Law: Mary Nlette Richard, Diana Geter; 15 Grandchildren; 7 Great Grandchildren; 1 Great, Great Grandchild; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; 3 Spiritual Sons– Brian Burell, Aaron Crawford and Sidney Williams; 3 Spiritual Daughters: Elizabeth Polland, Lisa Mitchell and Erica Adams; A host of foster children and Church families.