William Buckley, 89, of New Bedford died December 17, 2008 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital.
He was the husband of Kathleen V. (McCabe) Buckley, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.
A lifelong resident of New Bedford, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Mary Ann (Kitson) Buckley. He was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School. In his youth, he was a champion bicycle racer.
Mr. Buckley was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.
He served as Petty Officer 1st Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He participated in the amphibious landing at North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, and Okinawa. He was the recipient of the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon with 3 stars, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with 1 Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Following service to his country, Mr. Buckley was employed as a carpenter and lifetime member of the Carpenters Union Local 1305. He took great pride in his construction work on schools, banks and shopping centers until his retirement in the early 1980's. He volunteered his carpentry services to many family and friends.
Mr. Buckley enjoyed history.
Survivors include his widow; three sons, Dennis W. Buckley and Donald J. Buckley, both of New Bedford and James F. Buckley and his wife Julie of Fanwood, NJ; and two grandchildren.
He was the brother of the late Benjamin Buckley.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford Monday, December 22nd at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours Sunday, December 21st from 2-5 PM.