Gerald F. Buckley

Gerald (Jerry) F. Buckley, of New City, passed away on December 7, 2013 surrounded by his loving family after a long, courageous battle with Lupus. Jerry was born November 12, 1942 to Helen (Mulrooney) and Gerald Buckley. He grew up in Brooklyn, attending Holy Cross Grammar School and St. Augustine High School. Jerry graduated with a business degree from Manhattan College in 1964. While at Manhattan he was an outstanding half-miler as a member of the Jasper track team. He continued to compete for many years after college for the New York Athletic Club, and later served as the President of the Manhattan College Spiked Shoe Alumni Club. Jerry also received his M.B.A. from St. John's University. He began his teaching and coaching career at Nazareth High School in Brooklyn. At Nazareth he coached many outstanding teams and was inducted into their Hall of Fame as a coach in 1988. After moving to Rockland County in 1973 he continued his teaching career in the Business Department at Clarkstown North High School. He taught there for nearly 30 years and was loved by many. While at Clarkstown North, he coached the varsity boys' track team for several years. Jerry also served as moderator of the DECA Business Club and implemented a student internship program. He was an active member of St. Augustine's Parish in New City, serving as a religion teacher, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector. Jerry was a man of faith who loved his family, friends, and a good long run. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 43 years, Sheila (Kelly) Buckley; his children, Jerry and wife Bernadette of Jacksonville, FL, Colleen and husband Gene Dove of Monroe, NY, Patrick and wife Allison, of New City. Jerry loved his grandchildren "The Big Ten": John 17, Patrick 12, Daniel 10, Shannon 10, Erin 8, Anna 7, Ryan 6, Catherine 5, Julia 5, and Joseph 3. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Ann Kelly of Sayville, N.Y. and many dearly loved cousins.Jerry was known as a true gentleman and will be deeply missed by all. Family will receive visitors on Tuesday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 11 at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home in New City from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine's on Thursday, December 12 at 10am. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.