Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Thomas Patrick Buckley
Thomas Patrick Buckley
Obituary
Guest Book
About
Thomas Buckley Obituary
Thomas Patrick Buckley, 53, beloved husband, father and brother, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
Born July 15, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, he was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Buckley; and his brother, Kevin.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Nita Reigle; and their two daughters, Gwen and Ellen Buckley; his sister, Patty, and her daughter, Dorothy; his sister, Kathleen and her partner, Laura Tocci-Klint, and their son, Isaiah; his sister-in-law, Connie Stenger and her husband, Fred; and his mother-in-law, Faith Reigle.
He also will be remembered and greatly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and a large group of friends and co-workers.
Tom grew up in Queens, New York, and graduated from Adelphi University with a bachelor's degree in nursing. He moved to Charlottesville in 1981 and completed a master's degree in nursing at the University of Virginia. Tom was a nurse at the University of Virginia Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for more than 20 years, during which time he touched the lives of many infants and families. He served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Neonatal Nurses Certification Committee from 1990 until 2000. Although, for the last eight years, he enjoyed his position in Quality Improvement at the University of Virginia Medical Center, he missed holding the babies.
What he loved most was being an extraordinary father to Gwen and Ellen and a devoted husband to Nita. He was so proud of his daughters' academic and athletic achievements and was their number one fan. He was the most loving, compassionate, and even-tempered husband one could imagine.
The family appreciates the support of friends and family at this very sad time.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held at St. Paul's Memorial Church, 1700 University Avenue, 11 a.m. Thursday, March 25, 2010. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory can be made to the University of Virginia Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0773.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brad and Angie George
January 11, 2011
I just heard about Tom's death and wanted to let you know how sad I am and to let you know that even though our paths only crossed for a few years we never forgot him.
Brad and I worked with Tom in the NICU at UVA 24 years ago. He was a wonderful mentor to me and led me to love NICU nursing. Brad was a resident and was always happy when Tom was around when he was on call! Tom was one of those special people whose kindness and caring will continue to spread through the lives he touched.
Judith Snyder
January 5, 2011
Hi
I just belatedly heard of Tom's passing. I am so distraught, as I know you are. Tom and I started together at UVA in 1980, one of my first friends in Charlottesville when we both arrived in 1980. He was NICU -I was pediatrics and later newborn nursery. To this day. the name 'Buckocello" brings a smile to my and my husband Seth's face. I am sooooo sorry for your loss. Please try to take comfort in knowing that Tom was a great man, friend and nurse, and I am sure a great husband and father. He lives in all our hearts and all of the families' hearts he has touched.
Judith Snyder
Jerry Cantwell
July 22, 2010
Nita,
It is with such a heavy heart and sadness that I write to you concerning Tom's passing. I just found out from my sister and I had to find a way to say how sad I am.
I consider Tom to be one of the best friends I had growing up in Queens. A truly great and loving soul. We shared a lot of adventures together. It was an honor to have known him and I want to wish you and the girls all the best as you try to recover from such a loss.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Sidi Cherkawi Benzahra
June 15, 2010
I met Tom when I came to America 30 years ago. I was very poor and I came with a little money from Morocco. He opened his apartment for me. His roommate at that time was Martin Mc Dermott. Tom helped me stay in his apartment for more than a month and he helped me find a job and find me an apartment to move in in queens. He helped me put my feet on the ground and now I am a college professor in California. Without his help I wouldn't be where I am now. Tom is a prophet to me.
Sidi Cherkawi Benzahra
Julie Mendelsohn
March 30, 2010
Dear Anita and Family,
We were so saddened to hear about Tom's passing. He was one of my first mentors in the world of nursing and I think of my early days in the NICU with a smile when I think about Tom. Our lives mirrored one another when we both met our spouses around the same time, and we would kid each other about who was luckier. Tom will always be thought of as a bright memory in my life and someone who taught me to love my profession. Thinking of you all and sending our love.
Betty Burns
March 27, 2010
Nita
Everyone here at NCC was most saddened to learn of Tom's sudden death. He made great contributions to the work of NCC and he will be remembered fondly not only for his great work but his humor. He was a great person to work with. He talked with great love about you and his daughters all the time. Please know that he will be greatly missed and we are so sorry for your loss.
The Tomkos
March 26, 2010
Nita, Gwen and Ellen,
Our deepest sympathy to you. Tom was a wonderful example of a loving husband and father. He loved you all dearly and I can't imagine your grief at this time. I hope it helps to know that we all thought the world of Tom and he will be missed by many. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
March 26, 2010
Ellen and Gwen,
I won't forget your father's continuous attitude of joy and support when you were on the cross-country team. His love for you and your teammates was overflowing. Please accept my dearest condolences.
Chris Ghaemmaghami
March 25, 2010
Dear Nita,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I always considered Tom to be a good friend and ally at work. He was a good man with good values adn a great sense of humor. It was an honor working with him.
Mark Adams
March 25, 2010
Nita - You have been and will continue to be in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a great person to work with over the years - his unique blend of intellect, wit, poise and focus helped to advance many important projects. I will miss working with him.
Beverly Ryan
March 25, 2010
Nita,
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was one of the first nurses outside of the MICU that I met after moving here. He was the primary nurse for my best childhood friend's twins in the NICU. They shared with me his extraordinary compassion and skill. He will be missed.
Bill Brady
March 24, 2010
Dear Nita, Gwen, and Ellen -- I am very sorry to hear about Tom. I worked with him in the hospital -- he taught me much and guided me in many ways. Aside from the medical world, he also aught me much about being a soccer dad. I will miss him deeply. You should be very proud of him -- he was a very good man in many ways. Bill Brady
Anne Hedelt
March 24, 2010
Nita and family,
My heart goes out to you completely and my prayers. Tom was a "prince of a man" and someone I always looked forward to seeing. I hope that you can feel the love and compassion that is pouring out to you now and in the days and weeks and months ahead from so many who knew and loved him. Anne Hedelt
Marian Lawson
March 24, 2010
Nita, Ellen and Gwen, My heart just breaks hearing of Tom’s sudden passing. He was such a kind, motivated and inspirational person. He gave so much to those around him in small and large ways. I will so miss his smile and his continual quest to make thing better.
Tracy Graudin
March 24, 2010
I heard of Tom's death yesterday; I was working in the NICU when Tom started there and we were on the same primary nursing team. He was truly a devoted nurse and I know he was the same as a husband and father. We were all blessed to have known Tom. My prayers are that God would wrap his arms around you Nita, Gwen and Ellen, and you would truly have that peace that passes understanding.
Love, Tracy (Crisp)
March 24, 2010
Hi Nita, Gwen and Ellen:
I am so sorry to hear about Tom. He was a wonderful, warm and gentle person. I will never forgot what an awesome camper he was on our girl scout camping trips. He could start a fire with wet tree branches!! He was a wonderful addition to our group of girls and just an amazing person. I was always happy to see Tom also at ACAC and hear about all the things his girls had been doing lately. He sure was a very proud papa and husband. My thougths will be with you during this sad time. - Denise McKee
Denise McKee
March 24, 2010
Hi Nita, Gwen and Ellen:
I am so sorry to hear about Tom. He was a wonderful, warm and gentle person. I will never forgot what an awesome camper he was on our girl scout camping trips. He could start a fire with wet tree branches!! He was a wonderful addition to our group of girls and just an amazing person. I was always happy to see Tom also at ACAC and hear about all the things his girls had been doing lately. He sure was a very proud papa and husband. My thougths will be with you during this sad time. - Denise McKee
Brenda Emery
March 24, 2010
Nita, I worked with Tom when I was the administrative assistant to a number of Directors of Nursing, specifically Sally Mapstone. I believe Tom to be one of the nicest people on the face of this earth. I spoke with Sally yesterday and told her of Tom's death. She sends her condolences as well. He will be truly missed. What a wonderful person he was.
Deborah Sellers
March 23, 2010
Dear Anita, Gwen and Ellen,
It has been several years since I have seen Tom and all of you, but I do have some special memories of him. Of course the first is of times he visited my classroom when Gwen was in my class in 4th grade. I enjoyed talking with him about Gwen's progress and I believe he volunteered from time to time. I was lucky enough to get to know him a little more by serving on jury duty with him after Gwen had moved on in her schooling. He worked so hard to keep the jurors focused on our task at hand! I enjoyed talking with him during our breaks and hearing about Gwen and Ellen. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as I know many of the Stone-Robinson faculty and families are too. He was a very special man.
Linda Dedo
March 23, 2010
Nita and family,
I was shocked to hear of Tom's untimely passing. He was a dear friend and colleague. He will be sorely missed.
Tom Bleck
March 23, 2010
Dear Nita,
I was so sorry to hear about Tom's sudden passing. During the years that we worked together, I always looked forward to his insights, but mostly his sense of humor. His presence made troublesome tasks into events to which I looked forward, because I knew that we would solve problems and have fun in the process. Our hearts go out to you and your girls.
Tom Bleck
Judy Hundley
March 23, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Melissa Baginski
March 23, 2010
Dear Nita, Gwen and Ellen,
I am heartbroken to hear your sad news. Tom was the best coworker and friend--I feel like I grew up professionally with him. He was always so positive and a great role model to hundreds of nurses. His humor turned many tense situations around in the NICU during the twenty-something years that we worked together,and he was truly loved by everyone. We'll never know how many NICU graduates are thriving today because of Tom--both through his care and his teaching. I am praying that you will experience an inexplicable measure of God's peace and presence in your lives right now. I am so sorry.
Becky Compton
March 23, 2010
Dear Nita, Gwen and Ellen, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
March 23, 2010
Dear Nita and Girls- Our hearts are with you and very heavy. Tom was a great nurse and a friend to all. It was a privlege to know him - always optimistic ...Our very deepest sympathies ...
Carolyn Graves, Elaine Galbraith and Suzanne Galbraith
March 23, 2010
Dear Nita,Ellen and Gwen,
We have wonderful memories of Tom from the days when our children attended Stone-Robinson, played soccer together and all those PTO meetings. As proud as he was of his beautiful daughters, he always took the time to ask about our kids. We will never forget him. Nita, Gwen and Ellen, Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Chery, Elton, Zach, Will and Dora Oliver
Dave Barton
March 23, 2010
Warren Nicholson called me to tell me of Tom's untimely passing. I met Tom shortly after he moved to Charlottesville. We worked together in the NICU for several years. In 1999, when my daughters were born and spent time in the NICU Tom was a familiar and reassuring face. A few years later Tom enjoyed watching my girls run around in Bodo's. He was a great guy.
Kathy, Kaitlin, Sophie Krometis
March 23, 2010
Tom...you will be truly missed! Thank you for all the wonderful memories! You were an incredible man, a devoted father and husband and soccer dad till the end! Nita, Ellen and Gwen...Sophie and I are blessed to have known such a wonderful, gentle soul. Our prayers, thoughts and love are with you during this difficult time!
Armando Bolmey
March 23, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Tom in the Medical Management program at UVA a few years ago. Tom was one of the finest colleagues I've ever had the privilege of knowing. I appreciated his understated sense of humor, his optimistic outlook, the love he had for his family and how well grounded he was. My condolences and deepest sympathy to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ruth Cowan
March 23, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Lisa and Mike Walker
March 23, 2010
Dear Nita and family, I have worked with Tom for many years in pediatrics. we will be greatly missed him. I am not sure if you will rememeber me and my husband, we took Lamaz with you and Tom when you were pregnant with Ellen, I believe it was out at blue ridge hospital.
Keely Robins
March 23, 2010
Tom was one in a million and just being around him was a joy. When our paths have crossed over the years, I continued to be reminded of what a great person and nurse he was. May God hold you and your girls in the palm of His Hand as you grieve. Know that the UVA community is praying for you as well.
Kate Halliday
March 23, 2010
Nita,
Tommy's Bishop Reilly H.S. friends have been emailing each other with fond memories of Tommy. I feel so fortunate to have seen Tommy at our 35th high school reunion. I hadn't seen him since high school days and he was one of the people I was hoping to reunite with at the reunion. He was a wonderful person and I am so sorry for your loss.
Bernadette Cervantes
March 22, 2010
The entire Casano family were blessed and honored to have known Tommy. He was a very special friend to many of us here in NY. I will always remember his smile and his laugh his thoughtfulness and the friendship we shared. Until we all meet again, Rest in Peace my friend.
Dana Tarrant
March 22, 2010
Dear Nita and family, Tom was an amazing nurse and human being. His compassion was what made him a stand out among nurses in the NICU. I am saddened for your loss.
anne aloi
March 22, 2010
Nita, Tom was one of the first people I met when coming to UVA in 1984. He was a wonderful teacher, loved his quit wit. I hold you in my thoughts. Anne Aloi
Ray Mishler
March 22, 2010
I met Tom many years ago at the Children's Medical Center and we nodded at each other for years at soccer matches, running, at ACAC, etc. My deepest condolences to his family and a shared loving community. He was a very good man!
Vonnie Calland
March 22, 2010
I am so very sorry and sad to learn of Tom's death. My husband, Forrest, and the whole UVA team was so very fond of Tom, and we all loved seeing you all at soccer games. His love for the girls was so palpable. Please accept our sincere condolences at this time of sadness and grief. We will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Sayre Johnson
March 22, 2010
Dear Nita
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your dear husband, Tom. Words do not begin to fill your void at this time. Please know my thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.
Terry Lucas
March 22, 2010
Dear Nita,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, the girls and your extended family. Tom was a dear colleague, good friend and an amazing human being. He was one of the first people when I arrived at UVA who sought me out to welcome me... he was glad to have someone to share the "world of administration" with...not his passion but something he would do for the good of the unit. I will also remember his sharp mind, his quick wit and humor, his passion for our babies and his stories of talking about "his girls." I loved passing him in the halls because there was always a wonderful smile that he gave to all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathleen Henahan
March 22, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family. Tom was a pleasure to work with and he will be missed. You are all in my prayers.
Rich and Amy Boitnott
March 22, 2010
Dear Nita,
We are so sorry for your loss of Tom and pray that His grace will surround you and your girls in the days ahead. Rich and I are remembering Tom fondly as he had a profound impact on both of us early in our careers. His genuine love for nursing and kindness towards others will always be part of his legacy. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.
Rich & Amy Boitnott
March 22, 2010
To the Buckley Family,
I knew Tom through UVA Nursing and always felt his professionalism and
kindness were some of his greatest assets.
Please accept my deepest condolences and know that Tom will be truly missed.
Bonita Ann Bossi
Charles Fisher
March 22, 2010
Nita,
My prayers for you, your family. Tom was a great guy, and a great QI support for the staff.
Randy Canterbury
March 22, 2010
Nita, my thoughts are with you and your family. Tom and I shared soccer stories on a daily basis. I will miss him greatly.
Kathy & Kellie Havens
March 22, 2010
Anita, Ellen and Gwen:
I am so sorry to hear about Tom. I didn't know him extemely well, but felt I did as there was not a soccer event that I attended when I didn't see him there. He seemed so proud of his girls and was looking forward to a great season for CHS. I know he will be sitting in the stands if only in spirit!
Kellie and I will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
Elaine Finley
March 22, 2010
I am so very sorry for your loss. I believe Tom knew everyone - and everyone thought very highly of him. He was such a kind, good person. I pray that the happy, loving, and beautiful memories you have of him will give you and your girls’ peace, comfort, smiles and something very tangible to hold onto in the coming days.
March 22, 2010
To the Family:
We were shocked to hear of Tom's passing. We will fondly remember the short, but fun times we had during the time Amanda played soccer with Ellen and the SOCA girls. We are thinking of you and keeping you all in our prayers.
Be blessed,
Roland, Tillie, Adrienne and Amanda Beauford (Palmyra, VA)
Alice & Rick Carpenter
March 22, 2010
Dear Nita, Ellen & Gwen:
Words are completely inadequate to express our sympathy to you and Tom's extended family and many friends. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Blessings & Peace
joseph aloi
March 22, 2010
Nita - you and your family will be in my thoughts. I can only hope that all the words of support from your many friends help to ease the suffering that comes with such a loss
Joe Aloi
Angela Taylor
March 22, 2010
To the Buckley family, I am sadden to hear about the death of your loved one. I only knew Tom for a short while, he was one of my Day of Caring volunteers for the Health system. He was always so kind and spoke whenever he saw you. I feel very honored to have known him and for that I am grateful. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Carrie Covey
March 22, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Tom during the United Way Day of Caring. What a wonderful person! He was always willing to go above and beyond for the well-being of others. Our world needs more people just like Tom. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
March 22, 2010
Dear Nita, Gwen and Ellen,
We are so sad about the lost of your Tom. He will be sorely missed by many. I know he will be missed the most by you.
With love and prayers during this time,
Cawood and Annie Fitzhugh
Cindy Wolfe
March 22, 2010
Nita, I am soo sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the pain of a loss of a husband. Tom was a great person and a teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Miller
March 22, 2010
Tom was a wonderful, inspiring nurse. His loss will be felt deeply by his many colleagues at UVA. His professionalism and dedication to excellence were well known, and all who had the opportunity to work with him were better for it. Nita, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Trish Cluff
March 22, 2010
Nita,
My deepest sympathy goes to you, your daughters and to each member of your family in this time of terrible sorrow. I admired your husband more than I could ever express. His quiet leadership and personal commitment meant the world to many of us. His compassion for others, his advocacy fr patients and his professionaly counsel coupled with his quiet manner will be missed both personally and professionally.
Arlene Apperson
March 22, 2010
As neighbors and friends, we will forever miss Tom's smiling face and kindness that he always shared with us. We will always be here for you, Nita and your special and beautiful girls, Gwen and Ellen. So sorry and wish we could take the sadness away.
Our sincere love,
Arlene & Mike Apperson
March 22, 2010
Dearest Nita,
My heart aches for you, the girls and your family. Tom's life was a gift to many, many people. I remember with great fondness his glee at the birth of your daughters. That joy and pride never diminished.
His professional contributions are extraordinary. He was an enormously respected colleague and will remain a vital part of UVa's nursing history.
Please know you are in my prayers. May you and your family be wrapped in a blanket of loving comfort and support. May cherished memories sustain you and bring you solace in your grief.
Paula Rowan-Page
March 22, 2010
Nita,
Words can not express the sadness we feel for you and the girls. We have always loved sharing soccer with Tom and sitting near you all at the UVA games. Please know that we are thinking of you and will be one of many who will miss Tom. If there is anything we can do to help you through this sad time, please do not hesitate to ask.
Love to you and your family,
Sophie and John Schorling
Linda Eastham
March 22, 2010
Nita and Family,
I was shocked to learn of Tom's death and so very sorry for your loss. I am keeping you & yours close in prayers.
Carol Lynn Maxwell-Thompson
March 22, 2010
I was very surprised to learn of Tom's death. I have known Tom since graduate school many years ago. He also oriented me to neonatal ICU. His warm smile, sense of humor and gentle personality were a blessing to me and others. He often talked about how proud he was of Ellen and Gwen. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Warmest regards, Carol Lynn
Kathleen Quinn
March 22, 2010
Nita,
Kate and I were so saddened and shocked by the news of Tom's passing. He was a wonderful friend - a quick witted Irishman with a twinkle in his eye. Our hearts go out to you and the girls. He had more love in his short life than most people do who live to be 100. We love you.
Renee Breeden
March 22, 2010
Dear Nita,
Words seem so inadequate right now - I can only hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that you have all our love and strength and we are here for you! Barry sends his love and prayers too. Renee Breeden
Cathy Jones
March 22, 2010
Tom was a very special and loving person. His humor and compassion will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
March 22, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts are with Nita and their girls. Liz Hespenheide
Rebecca (Becky) Bowers
March 22, 2010
Anita,
I was so shocked to learn of Tom's death. Tom was a special person and caring person. While I have not seen Tom in recent weeks, he always made it a point to speak when I saw him. If there is anything I can do for you or the girls, please do not hesitate to call. During this time my prayer is that you will feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
March 22, 2010
Tom was my dear friend and colleague. I will miss him.
Jeff Cutruzzula
Barbara Vaughan
March 22, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Tom was a client of ours at UVa Printing and Copying Services, working to update documents for quality improvement. Tom was a pleasure to work with and will be greatly missed.
Showing 1 - 69 of 69 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Buckley's name
People and places connected with Thomas
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Buckley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored