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John Buckley Obituary
JOHN GOODCHILD BUCKLEY January 14, 1938 – April 14, 2022
John Goodchild Buckley, beloved son of the late John Magruder Buckley and Frances Goodchild Buckley and nephew of Louise Goodchild Higgins, passed away on April 14, 2022, in Washington, DC. He was 84 years old.
John was a sixth generation, lifelong resident of Georgetown in Washington, DC. He graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School in 1955 and then attended American University in Washington, DC. Following a long lineage of military men, John joined the United States Air Force after college and held the rank of Captain. An only child, John spent many holidays and birthdays in Bethesda, Maryland with his uncle and aunt, Lester and Elizabeth Buckley, and their daughters, Mary and Kay. After both of John's parents died, he remained close with his Aunt Liz and his extended Buckley family.
John was well-known for his unlimited supply of colorful stories. No one seemed to enjoy jury duty, and telling stories about jury duty, more than John did. He often talked of his love of the oceans and time he spent with friends on both coasts, either in San Francisco, California or Atlantic City, New Jersey. He would reminisce about antics during his time as an Air Force officer. But his best stories were about his cherished home of Washington, DC. and the city's history and culture he experienced throughout his life. When the Washington Nationals came to town in 2005, he enthusiastically adopted the city's new ballclub and would enjoy many games each season buying same-day tickets in the cheap seats. At holidays he always kept the family updated with the latest movie that was being filmed in D.C., or the newest stores that were opening after the old ones closed. You could always count on John to keep you informed on all the comings and goings of the city he traversed each day.
John is survived by his loving cousins, Gaby Richeimer, Kristin Richeimer-Timoteo, Kathleen Kovacs and Patricia McCormack. There will be a celebration of life in remembrance of John planned in the coming months.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Buckley
6 Entries
Katherine Jo Zinsser
April 17, 2025
I think of John often and have wonderful memories of adventures in DC with him. Whether on the streets of Georgetown or exploring the sites of the city in the 1980s, his upbeat stories and kind soul were an important part of my life. He came to visit when I moved to San Francisco and even accompanied us on a trip to France. Please share anything you have of his memorial service whenever that was.
Katherine Zinsser
April 17, 2024
I was just thinking of John and missing him still.
Katherine Zinsser
April 17, 2023
I think often of John. His quick humor and kindness are sorely missed.
Terry Showalter Conner
May 6, 2022
I was so sad to hear about John's passing. He was a good friend to my brother Ken since high school. May he rest in peace.
Gaby Richeimer
April 28, 2022
If anyone would like to be notified about the memorial service please look me up (you can email me at my work address which you can find by googling my name).
Katherine Zinsser
April 24, 2022
John was a very dear friend when I lived in Georgetown in the 1980's. The obituary captures his spirit and incredible sense of humor. I will miss him always. I would very much like to be notified of the memorial service when it is scheduled. My heart goes out to his cousins. He spoke often of his holiday gatherings with you.
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