1951 - 2021
Visitation
May 27, 20214-7 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., No. Chelmsford, MA. 01863
Funeral
May 28, 202111 A.M.
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., No. Chelmsford, MA. 01863
Gary Francis Buckley, 70, of Lowell, MA passed away peacefully Thursday, May 20, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was married to Ruth E. (Lisien) Buckley, his high school sweetheart, with whom he celebrated 47 years of marriage in February.
Born and raised in Lowell, MA, he was the son of Francis Buckley and Genevieve (O’Keefe) Buckley. He graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1968 and spent ten years working in Industrial Engineering and various other fields before finding his true passion: teaching. In his late twenties, he went back to school and became the first member of his family to obtain a college degree, graduating from UMASS Lowell with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education. He was a dedicated educator for Lowell Public School system for over twenty years before retiring, teaching Health Education at the Robinson Middle School in Lowell, MA and then at Lowell High School.
He strongly believed in giving back to the community and was heavily involved in Lowell Youth Soccer throughout his life, working as a coach, referee, and referee coordinator for many years. Throughout all the years of his involvement, his crowning achievement was the acquisition of Edwards Soccer Field for the youth soccer program, with the support and hard work of Jim Young and many others. Even after he retired from the Lowell Youth Soccer program, his love of soccer continued and he thoroughly enjoyed watching the game whenever he could, especially whenever Lionel Messi was playing.
Outside of soccer, Gary’s favorite hobby was fishing. He spent many summers with his good friend Rod out on the boat, fishing for striped bass up and down the Merrimack River. His favorite fishing trip was when he went deep sea fishing with his family in Cabo, Mexico and reeled in a massive striped marlin, much to his delight.
The only place he loved being more than out fishing was Disney World. Nothing brought him more joy than the many vacations he spent there surrounded by his family. His favorite attraction was the fireworks show at Epcot and he always made sure to get a good seat, which for him meant anywhere next to his children.
He is survived by his son Kirk Buckley and his longtime partner Trish Kasilowski of Lowell, MA, his daughter Kara Buckley and her husband Sean Hammond of Worcester, MA, his brothers Brian Buckley and Marlene of Lowell, MA and Kevin Buckley and Donna of Merrimac, MA along several nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Joyce Blackburn and her husband Brian Blackburn of Chelmsford, MA.
The family would like to thank the hospice staff especially Danielle, Brandy and Noel as well as Dr. Novak for their compassionate care and support.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 4 to 7 P.M. at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD. There will be a funeral service on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 11 A.M at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, followed by a private burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s name to Merrimack Valley Hospice 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 425 Lawrence, MA 01841 Attn: Development Office. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.dolanfuneralhome.com.
Jean
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Gary Buckley warmly welcomed me into the family and helped me navigate the waters. Although often times a man of few words, he didn’t beat around the bush; what he had to say was always on target. He was the most diplomatic man I ever met and I greatly appreciated his sense of humor. He was kind, sweet, & nurturing and will be greatly missed.
Joseph mcquade
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Will miss you Gary say hi to Mac enjoy fishing in the clouds lvya always
John & Melba Leite
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Our sincere condolences to Ruth and the entire Buckley family. It is never the right time to lose a loved family member. Know that we are thinking of you at this time. Sincerely, John & Melba
Milagro Lasa-Quinn
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To the Buckley Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of grief. Our hearts are saddened upon learning of Mr. Buckley’s passing.
RIP
John Millie Abby and Dalton
The Lasa-Quinn Family
Heather
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“When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you
And when you need me,
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give to them
What you need to give to me.
I want to leave you something,
Something better
Than words
Or sounds.
Look for me
In the people I’ve known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live in your eyes
And not on your mind.
You can love me most
By letting
Hands touch hands
By letting
Bodies touch bodies
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.
Love doesn’t die,
People do.
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love,
Give me away”
– Merrit Malloy
I’ll miss you today… tomorrow… always, Uncle Gary! May Angels Lead You In.
Les and Jay Burke
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Ruth We have fond memories of Adam and Andrew having good times at the end of summer with Gary Kirk and you.
Our condolences to your family and thank you both for the memories.
RIP Gary
Michelle Snetsinger
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To Gary’s Family,
Just want to say what a great colleague and friend Gary was at Lowell High School. He was good to the kids, always trying to encourage them to be physically and emotionally healthy. We greatly miss him walking the halls here. So sad to hear of his passing.
Michelle Snetsinger, Teacher LHS