Caleb (“Cal”) Bucci, 37, of Marathon, Fla., passed away on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 while free diving in Indonesia.
Born in Hillsborough, N.J., Cal graduated from Hillsborough High School in 2004, where he developed many lifelong friends. He attended Halls School of Diving in Marathon, Fla., and proceeded to pursue his love of free diving, boating and spearfishing, establishing a charter boat business in Marathon, as well as captaining for Sole Watersports in Duck Key.
The ocean became the love of Cal’s life. He was fearless and loved sharing his passion for the water with others. This extended to countless oceanic adventures with his family in the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas and with friends around the world. He was lovingly known as “Captain Cal” in the Marathon area, where his many friends and clients cherished his “crazy, fun soul,” amazing stories, genuine friendship, outstanding work ethic, and incredible diving and captaining skills.
In 2013, Cal was part of the elite team who escorted Diana Nyad on her historical swim from Cuba to Florida. Cal also performed underwater stunt-double work for the TV series “Bloodline.” His diving and boating experiences took him to Alaska, Mexico, Panama, Fiji, Costa Rica, and – most often – to Indonesia, where he quickly made many friends. He developed close friendships with the locals, who had a deep affection for him, appreciating his fun personality and also his generous nature. Cal distributed the fish he caught to those in need, established a GoFundMe for a friend, and personally provided financial assistance during the difficult times brought about by the pandemic. He was a very loyal friend, and he was impossible not to love.
Out of the water, Cal enjoyed traveling with his girlfriend, Kristen. He was a lifelong, talented musician and composer, notably with guitar and drums. Cal was an individual with multiple interests including photography, videography, cooking and tropical plant propagation. He had a talent for things mechanical and enjoyed working on his numerous motorcycles and cars.
Cal had an especially tight, special bond with his family and regularly traveled the world with them. He also had a deep love of animals, providing a home to two rescue dogs, Cassidy and Buzzy.
Cal experienced more than most would in 30 lifetimes. He always said that he wanted to live his life to the fullest and there’s no questioning that he did, indeed. Cal was inarguably one of a kind.
Cal is predeceased by his grandparents, John Bucci, Sr. and Steven and Dorothy Michel. He is survived by his grandmother, Barbara Bucci of Doylestown, Pa., his father John Bucci and stepmother Susan of Doylestown, Pa., and his mother, Cindy Woodall and stepfather Bill of Upper Black Eddy, Pa. His brother, Benjamin Bucci, was his best friend, and at Ben’s recent marriage to Aly O’Connor, Cal served as best man. Cal’s partner of five years was Kristen Huffman. Cal leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him dearly.
A memorial service to celebrate Cal’s life is planned for the future.
Contributions may be made in his memory to Florida Keys SPCA at https://fkspca.org/.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
