Jay R. Bucher, 64, a Lancaster General Health executive and community leader, died following a long battle with multiple myeloma cancer at his home surrounded by family on March 18, 2015. A resident of Manheim Township, he was the son of the late Paul C. and Anna Mary Bucher. He was married to Pamela A. (Kraus) Bucher for 42 years.

Jay received his undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College, and his banking degree from Bucknell University School of Banking. He was a 1968 graduate of Ephrata High School.

Well known for his sports career, Jay was an all-state performer in football and basketball at Ephrata High School. He was the leading basketball scorer in Lancaster County in 1968 leading the Ephrata to the County Championship and to the District finals. Jay played on a Division 1 scholarship at Gettysburg College scoring 1,118 points. He played basketball professionally with the Lancaster Red Roses and semi-professionally with the Lancaster Big 5.

He joined the National Central Bank in 1972 (Now Wells Fargo), becoming a Senior Vice President in 1995. In 1995, he joined Lancaster General Hospital as Vice President of Development. In 2006, he was promoted to President of Lancaster General Health Foundation.

Over the last two decades, Jay played an integral role in strengthening Lancaster General Health, as well as our community's overall well-being. Since joining LG Health in 1995, Jay most notably led the $25.2 million capital campaign for the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, the largest private fundraising effort in our community's history. He also headed capital campaigns for Women & Babies Hospital and the Lancaster General Hospital Orthopedic Center.

Jay was a trusted advisor to many boards and nonprofit organizations. He currently was serving on the Boards of Directors of United Way of Lancaster County, Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster, and the Lancaster County Career & Technology Foundation. Past Boards included: Junior Achievement of Lancaster County, Manheim Township Foundation, Keystone Arts & Culture Center, Gettysburg College Board of Fellows, Maple Farm Nursing Center, and others.

He received numerous recognition awards over the years including Gettysburg College Young Alumni Achievement award, Lancaster Jaycees Boss of the Year, Junior Achievement National Bronze Leadership Award and Excel Award, United Way Volunteer of the Year Award, Ephrata High School Athletic Hall of Fame and Gettysburg College Hall of Fame, AFP Fundraising Professional of the Year Award in November 2011, and most recently The Distinguished Citizen Award from the PA Dutch Council, Boy Scouts of America. He served in numerous fundraising roles including chair of the Lancaster County United Way Campaign in 1993. Professional organization membership included the Hamilton Club and Bent Creek Country Club.

In addition to his wife, Jay is survived by his daughter, Alison M. Baccio of Lancaster; a son Joshua J. Bucher husband of Erin M., of Carlisle; four grandchildren, Isabella and Case Baccio, Zoe Bucher, and Alexia Gonzalez; a sister Lorraine D. Henly and her spouse Gary Henly of Reinholds PA.; a brother James D. Bucher and his spouse Laura Bucher of Virginia Beach, VA.; and a brother John D. Bucher and his spouse Sharon of Harrisonburg, VA.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to a Celebration of Jay's Life at St. Peter's Lutheran Church 10 Delp Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 4PM with Pastors Craig Ross and David Klepper officiating. The family will receive friends at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike on Saturday from 2-5PM. A private family interment will take place in the Hammercreek Mennonite Cemetery, Lititz, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jay's memory to the Lancaster General Health Foundation, Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Center, 609 N. Cherry Street Lancaster, PA 17604.