Michael T. Buckley of Salem, a stay-at-home dad, died at home unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 23. He was 54.
Born in Irvington, N.J., he was raised and educated in Scotch Plains, N.J. He graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, where he played football and baseball. During high school, Mr. Buckley was the lead singer of a band and he continued singing through much of his life, most notably to his bride at their wedding ceremony in 1979.
After college, he worked for the former Eastern Airlines and Budget Car and Truck Rental, jobs that gave him and his wife the opportunity to travel abroad and throughout this country.
He renovated two antique homes in Salem and volunteered for that city’s house and garden tours as a member of Historic Salem Inc. A gourmand of sorts, Mr. Buckley’s love of cooking was only surpassed by his love of good food.
Confined to a wheelchair for the last several years of his life, he never lost hope he would walk again. Mr. Buckley was getting closer to that goal, albeit with the assistance of a walker, right before he died.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Maria (DiStefano) Buckley, JD, with Nutter McClennen & Fish of Boston; his 10-year-old daughter, Meredith, publisher, editor and top reporter for the just-launched paper “The Buckley News;” his parents, Earl and Agnes (Hay) Buckley of Yarmouthport; two sisters, Laura Buckley, JD, of West Nyack, N.Y., and Lisa of Marblehead; and a niece, Gabrielle Buckley.
The Memorial Service for Michael Buckley will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 11:00 am at First Church in Salem, Unitarian, 316 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970. Luncheon will follow immediately at Church. Directions and parking information can be found at www.firstchurchinsalem.org/directions.htm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Church in Salem, Unitarian, 316 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970 or the Salem Public Library, 370 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970. for guestbook please visit www.levesquefunerals.com