On Tuesday July 17, 2018, heaven gained a true legend. Gregory F. “Big Gus” Buckley passed peacefully at his home after a brief battle with stupid cancer. Gus was surrounded by his obnoxiously close family, lots of Jameson, and Lonesome Dove playing in the background. Throughout Boston, Cape Cod, and the South Shore he was best known as a mediocre guitar player who was saved by unwavering charisma and showmanship.
A devoted family man, Greg’s love for his children was surpassed only by his story book love affair with his wife of 46 years Nancy. His loves included fishing, whiskey, politics, golf, the Red Sox, his deck, cigars, white russians, his country, his Irish heritage, doo wop, boxing, the City of Brockton, the beach, sunshine and the stars. His dislikes are too numerous to mention. He was a man of deep faith whose kindness and humor touched all he encountered.
Born in Brockton on May 13, 1950, Greg was the eldest son of Marilyn K. (Kane) Buckley of Brockton and the late Gregory A. Buckley. He attended Brockton High School and graduated in 1968. While at Brockton High, he excelled as quarterback of the football team, catcher on the baseball team, and fighter on the hockey team. Greg attended Massasoit Community College before joining the Army National Guard in 1970. His late mother-in-law former Senator Anna P. Buckley inspired him to serve the city of Brockton as a Ward 2 City Councilor. He worked for the Massachusetts State Lottery for many years before taking a fulfilling position at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Upon retirement, he and his wife Nancy decided to wash ashore in Dennisport. For the past thirteen years he made a million friends and had a blast.
Greg is survived by the love of his life, his special lady of 46 years Nancy (Buckley) Buckley of Dennisport, his children Nora Buckley Dyer of Norton, Keri Buckley and Tom Hassett of Easton, Gregory M. and Jaclyn Buckley of Dennisport, his three grandson's Declan and Finnian Dyer of Norton, and Gregory William Buckley of Dennisport. In addition to his mother with whom he shared a very special bond, Greg is survived by his loving siblings Diane Buckley Joy and Philip of Brockton, Stephen Buckley and Nancy of Hingham, Robert Buckley and Leslee of North Easton and Brian Buckley and Kara of Bridgewater. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly but most likely couldn't call by name, and a thousand cousins. Gus was a member of the Democratic City Committee, the Sons of Erin of Cape Cod, AMVETS, and a founding member of Cape Cod Veterans Inc. His wit, kindness, and blue eyes will be greatly missed by all. "Cheerful in all weather, splendid behavior." Some of Greg's favorite organizations and charities were Cape Cod Veterans Inc. and ALS of Massachusetts.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton, Sunday, July 22, from 2-6pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home Monday at 9am for a funeral Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 10am. Burial will be on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 11:30am in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.