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Thomas Buckley Obituary

BUCKLEY, Rev. Thomas J., BOS Of Amesbury, formerly of Somerville, Medford and Lynn, Senior Priest at Holy Family Parish, Amesbury, suddenly, October 2, 2008. Beloved son of the late Elizabeth (Coughlin) and Thomas J. Buckley. Devoted brother of John and Barbara Buckley of Cotuit, Madeline and William McMahon of Bridgewater. Dear nephew of Gertrude Lawler of Somerville and Dorothy Sullivan of Marshfield. Cherished uncle of many nieces, nephews, greatnieces and greatnephews. Also survived by Rev. Richard Craig, Rev. Paul Kilroy and many other colleagues, relatives, friends and parishioners. Rev. Buckley will lie in state in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford on Sunday 4-7 PM. Relatives and friends invited. A concelebrated Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Francis of Assisi Church on Monday morning at 10 AM. Presiding will be Sean P. Cardinal O'Malley, OFM, Cap. Principal celebrant will be Rev. Richard Craig. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Building Fund, 6 Allen's Ct., Amesbury, MA 01903 or The Thomas J. Buckley Endowed Trust Fund, c/o Children's Hospital Trust 1 Autumn St., #731, Boston, MA 02215. Rev. Buckley was ordained by Most Rev. Richard Cardinal Cushing on Feb. 2, 1961 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. After his retirement, he resided in Alton Bay, NH. He was a dedicated Priest and devoted patriarch of his family who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. For more information visit: dohertyfuneralservice.com.

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Published by Boston Globe on Oct. 4, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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Kathy Simard

October 13, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of Father Tom's passing. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Anthony Cuffe O'Donnell

October 10, 2008

Father Buckley was always so kind to me as a young parishoner at St. Pius V church in Lynn. he would always incorporate Sports/Hockey in his sermons and as a young sports fan, I think it was the only way for me to pay attention. I had the occation of running into Fr. Buckley just a few years ago and it had been probably twenty five years since he had seen me, yet he knew who iw as right away. he always had a smile on his face and that is how I will remember him.

Denyse Richter

October 10, 2008

I came to know Father Tom when my father was dying in the Spring of 2002. Fr. Tom was a gentle giant. At my Dad's funeral, Fr. Tom captured my Dad so well in his beautiful words, and yet he really hadn't known my Dad for very long. In such a short time, Fr. Tom had gotten to know my Dad so well because he completely engaged himself with people. Besides Fr. Tom's help during a very difficult time personally , I was so impressed and proud of him for taking a stand in the child abuse case. As everyone knows, Fr. Tom and the other priests who signed a letter to Cardinal Law regarding the abuse scandal took a personal risk by doing so. I have nothing but the utmost respect and esteem for Fr. Tom speaking up when so many stayed silent. He is the model for what a priest should be. The world is going to miss him. I'm so glad I got to known him.

Jacqueline Quinlan

October 8, 2008

I will always hold dear the memories of our family gatherings, and you giving blessings in our living room. You will be greatly missed from the family, but i hold in my heart that you will be watching over us all.
With Love, Jackie (voye) Quinlan.

The Finnerty's

October 6, 2008

Father Buckley was bigger than life. He was so wonderful and vibrant. Our family loved him and we were so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He will be sorely missed. We will never forget him. God Bless him and his family.

The Hubbard Family

October 6, 2008

Father Buckley was an amazing man of faith who was a major part our lives as was "The Team" at Saint Francis in Medford. We have numerous special memories that we will treasure. Our condolences to his family and all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing and loving him. May he rest in peace with the Lord.

Bob and Marianne Weeks

October 6, 2008

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Fr. Tom. I remember when Fr. Tom and the team ministry brought many people, including my late father, back to St. Pius V Parish in Lynn, with their kindness, compassion, and leadership. Fr. Tom was great to my dad when he was ill, was a wonderful support and friend to my late mother for many years, and was kind enough to preside over our wedding 16 years ago (and officiated 10 years later in Amesbury when we renewed our vows). His smile lit up a room and his mere presence was a gift to all who came into contact with him. God has a special place for him in Heaven. Today, our hearts are heavy, but we will have so many wonderful memories of Fr. Tom. With great fondness,

Jim Doherty

October 6, 2008

So sorry to hear of Fr. Tom's passing. We were so fortunate to have visited with him this past June,not having seen him for over 35 years.Our condolences to his family.

george and pat ghiorse

October 6, 2008

Dear Buckley family,

Please accept our belated and long-range condolences on Uncle Tom's sudden passing. He was quite a guy and model priest. We'll miss him at the family gatherings. We are most saddened at not being able to be there this am to support you at his funeral mass.

Sincerely,

George and Pat Ghiorse

Nancy Finnerty

October 6, 2008

Father Buckley was such a kind man and wonderful Priest. He recently came out of retirement to attend my mother's funeral mass this past January and I'm sure they're up in Heaven talking about that right now. He will be greatly missed.

Kevin Bardwell

October 6, 2008

To the Rev. Thomas J. Buckley Family:
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Buckley Family. May your fond memories, of good times shared, put a smile in your heart, during this most difficult time. You are in our prayers.
The Bardwell's - Kevin, Cheryl, Jack, Sam, and Anthony.

Jim MacDonald

October 6, 2008

Fr Buckley, as we called him in the early 70's was a towering figure to us at St Columbkille. As our AD, we always knew he would be there, win or lose at our games. As our priest we knew we could trust him. It seems like only yesterday that I getting advice from him in high school. Time passes quickly, but memories remain.
Rest in Peace Fr Buckley.

Diane & Paul Muryn

October 6, 2008

Fr. Tom, you were the most wonderful person we have ever met. You instilled in us how to live a faithfilled life and enjoy it. We will miss you deeply, but we also know that you are now with our Lord and Savior enjoying your eternal reward. Thank you for everything you did for us.

Cheri Ann and Joe Lee

October 6, 2008

I don't think I ever saw "uncle Tommy" without a smile. Through the love of his family, he will live on forever.

Ellen Benson

October 5, 2008

To the Buckley Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all.
I grew up with Tommy, Johnny and Madeline when they lived on Sterling St., Somerville. Madeline was my chum and I attended grammar school with Johnny.
You will all be in my prayers.
Ellen (Davis) Benson

Mary Audley

October 5, 2008

Fr. Buckley will always hold a special place in my heart. He was so kind and compassionate when we lost our son Peter at the age of 7. He is the very reason that I did not lose my faith during this difficult time. A wonderful man who touched many people. He will be missed.

Elaine Donovan

October 5, 2008

I was so shocked to hear that Fr. Tom died. He demonstrated through his life what priesthood means to all of us. He was on the interfaith board in Lynn with me. That service was a wonderful experience. I will always be grateful for his life. My deepest sympathies.

Barbara McKenna

October 5, 2008

Dear Buckley family: it has been over 50 years, but I remember Tommy very well, before and after Matignon. Sorry he is gone. Barbara Adams Mckenna and Ken who knew your father.

Sandra Jutras

October 5, 2008

Just last Sunday you gave one of your ever great homilies on the theme of needing to demonstrate our faith in words as well as in action. We joked at the door about your homily characters you used to drive it home and attach your message to the gospel. We had you, who always demonstrated words and action in your ministry as a priest and a person. You were one of the kindest people on the planet and we can honor you best by remembering to live our faith in words and in action as you did. Thank you for your many kindnesses and laughs. Holy Family was so blessed to have you with us on our road to Emmaus

Richard & Kathy Ruth

October 5, 2008

Fr. Tom was very much a part of the Ruth family. He officiated at my daughter's wedding in Mead Chapel at Middlebury College and my father's funeral. He was truly a Man of God.

cheryl dalton

October 5, 2008

we are so very sad to hear about father tom. he was such a wonderful peson. he was a very close friend to my mom, who passed away last may, and to our family. we all loved him and will miss him very much. our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. the turner & dalton families

Janet & Larry Kaplan

October 5, 2008

To John Buckley and Family:
We are very sorry to hear about the death of your loved one.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Donna and Jack MacLeod Aho

October 4, 2008

What an outstanding witness for Christ! Our prayers are with Madeline, Bill, Madelaine, Mike, Mandy,TJ, and Michael at this time. He was a comfort to Madelaine at the time of her accident outside the church and cherished by family.

JAMES RUTH

October 4, 2008

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief. Fr Buckley was very close to our family. He was a very big part of the Ruth family(214 Maple St.). He will be missed.
Jim, Mary, Mike, and Doug

Sheri and Richard Capstick

October 4, 2008

John,Barbara, JeanMarie,John, Jr.,Mark and Tom,

I know how much you all adored your brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Patrick Stack

October 4, 2008

Tom,My heart is so sad to learn of your death. This past week you called my mom, continuing to console her after the death of my dad. You provided me with tremendous guidance especially in my teen-age years. In my adulthood you have always been one of my heroes. Your kindness to the entire Stack family will never be forgotten. I love you and will pray for you. Your joy in proclaiming the Gospel reflected the words of St. Francis,"Peach the Gospel everyday, and if necessary use words." You are the priest who makes the Church proud.

Annette & Hersh Tovsky

October 4, 2008

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved brother.

Everett & Carolyn Evans

October 4, 2008

Our Deepest sympathy goes to out Father Tom's family.Father Tom you will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know you. You are a good shepherd of your flock still watching over us while seated at God's right hand. Enjoy the ski slops of heaven my friend. Love Everett and Carolyn

Michael & Angela Bik

October 4, 2008

Father Buckley will be miss bye us and many. We have had a wonderfull
friend. Angela and I will prayfor all family and friends. We will miss his humor at church and his stories of sports and especially him.

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