Derek Bucknor

Derek Bucknor was born on September 21, 1960, in Trelawny, Jamaica, to Harry and Yvonne Bucknor. He was lovingly raised by his Mama, Mas Dada, alongside his four brothers—Donald, Michael, Shaun, and Kirk. Derek often fondly recalled his early years in the family home, surrounded by his mom, brothers, and uncles. While in Jamaica, Derek attended the First Hill Congregational Church Primary School

At the age of twelve, Derek and his brother Kirk moved to New York to reunite with their mother. Though it was difficult leaving his beloved Mama behind, Derek was excited for the opportunity to experience the “golden city.” Adjusting to life in a big city was no easy feat, but Derek persevered and graduated from I.S. 72 Junior High School. Derek received his high school diploma from Andrew Jackson High School.

In 1980, shy Derek met Jennifer, a classmate from high school. After dating a while, they welcomed their son, Bryan. While working at a children’s clothing store on Jamaica Avenue, Derek met Vicki. The two married in 1983 and soon welcomed two daughters, Serena and Desiree. In 1985, Derek’s father-in-law, Phillip, introduced him to the carpentry trade, a turning point in his life. Derek completed his apprenticeship in 1988 and went on to work with the New York City Carpenters Union, laying flooring throughout the Tri-State area for more than 20 years.

Derek and Vicki began their life together in Far Rockaway, NY, in a modest apartment. With hard work and determination, Derek saved enough to purchase a home for his growing family in Long Island. They settled on Rhodes Lane, where they spent over a decade building strong friendships and a close-knit community. Known affectionately as the “mayor of the block,” Derek was a friendly, familiar face who always had a kind word and a heart of gold. To the neighborhood kids, he was “Debo,” for his tall built stature.

He proudly supported the local high school’s football and basketball teams, attending games in full Malverne spirit. Derek loved to travel, often organizing family road trips to Florida to visit his mom or summer adventures to Downey Park, PA, for the annual Bucknor family reunion.

In 2002, Derek faced the unexpected loss of his beloved wife, Vicki, after 20 years of marriage. The following year, seeking a fresh start, he sold the Long Island home and moved to Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Though missed dearly by his New York family and friends, Derek embraced this new chapter. He found love again and, in 2006, married his current wife, Antionette. Together, they built a warm and loving home. Derek launched his own business, D.A.B. Floors, and continued to provide for his family with pride and dedication. Derek and Antionette shared a life full of love, weekly date nights, and adventures, from California family visits to cruises in the Bahamas.

Derek was predeceased by his mother Yvonne Pinnock and his brothers Donald, Michael, Shaun, and Kirk. He is remembered with love by his sisters-in-love Carrion, Karline, Cecile, Joanne, and Cecile, and his brothers-in-love Hampton, Dennis, and Keith.

He leaves behind a rich legacy through his children: Bryan, Serena, Desiree, Lauren, and Cory; his sons- and daughter-in-love: Melonie, Tommy, and Sean; his eleven grandchildren: Jennifer, Courtney, Naomi, Nyla, Tyler, Lauryn, Bryson, Ryan, Riley, Amir, and Rylee; and his great-grandson, Caiden. He will also be missed by the family bird, Sebastian, his bonus children, and a host of extended family and friends

Derek was the kind of person who was always just a phone call away. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing a laugh, or giving his time generously, Derek made a lasting impact on everyone he met. He enjoyed fishing, cheering for the Knicks and Mets, making bracelets, and most of all—spending time with those he loved.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 3PM to 5PM with a service to start at 5PM at All Nations Life Development Christian Center 862 SW Glenview Ct, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953.