John Joseph Buckley

John “Joe” Buckley, of Paramus, New Jersey passed away on March 19, 2026. He was predeceased in death by his beloved wife of 33 years, Carol, as well his brothers Robert “Bob” Buckley (Anastasia), Daniel “Donny” Buckley (Loretta), Terrence “Terry” Buckley (Eileen) and sister Eileen Kelly (Walter). He is survived by his brother Jerome “Butch” Buckley (Anne), his devoted sons and daughter-in-laws, Kevin Buckley (Kerry) and Brian Buckley (Danielle), five grandchildren (Brenna, Quinn, Emily, Jack and Fiona Buckley), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was born in Manhattan on March 3, 1932 to Robert Joseph Buckley and Eileen Ursula O’Mahony who immigrated from County Cork, Ireland. Joe was raised in the Bronx as a devout Catholic and lived a life that was filled with good will and service. Joe attended grammar school at St. Jerome’s from 1938 to 1946, followed by St. Joseph’s Normal Institute, affectionately referred to as “Barrytown.” It was here that Joe began his religious and academic life as a teacher with the De La Salle Christian Brothers. He entered St. Joseph’s Novitiate and was invested with the religious habit on September 7, 1950. Upon receiving his religious habit, Joe lived the next 20 years, as Brother Bernard Kevin, FSC. This choice not only gave Joe his vocation, but unparalleled friendships that sustained him his entire life. After Barrytown, Joe earned his BA at the Catholic University of America, taught at St. Bernard’s in New York City and the Christian Brothers Academy, in Lincroft, New Jersey where he eventually became Vice Principal. He went on to earn his MA at The University of Notre Dame, where he met the love of his life, Carol Stanton. Joe left the order in 1970, married Carol in 1971 and by 1972 they started their family and moved to New City. Even so, Joe maintained his De La Salle mission, teaching Mathematics at Ramapo High School until his retirement in 1995.

More importantly, Joe was loved, and for so many reasons. He was full of wit and charm. His mischievous smile and laugh could light up a room. Whether you were family or a friend, he was a comforting presence that would show up in all the important ways that made a difference, while expecting nothing in return. Joe outlived his Carol for 22 years and although he mourned her, he showed us how to live fully and with grace. We will endeavor to do the same, as we carry him in our hearts. Joe is finally at peace, reunited with Carol, and so many who wait to embrace him at St. Peter's gate.

Please raise a glass for Joe, to a life well lived, "Slan abhaile."

Safe Home.

Visitation will be held at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956, US, on March 24, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at St. Francis of Assisi's Church, 128 Parrott Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994, US, on March 25, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by a Committal Service at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, 36 W Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY 10954, US, on March 25, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian Brothers Academy at https://www.cbalincroftnj.org/support-cba/make-a-gift.