Daniel John Buckley

Born and raised in Detroit, Dan graduated from Salesian Catholic High School, attended the University of Detroit-Mercy, and proudly served in the US Army from 1963-66, achieving the rank of Sgt. E5 in Communications. He began working at Western Union Telegraph in 1966, where he met Beverly Magiera, whom he quickly recognized would be the great love of his life. They married in 1968 and remained the most devoted of spouses for 58 years.

Dan and Bev’s boundless love, care, and support for one another gave them joy and strength, which carried them through a happy and eventful shared life with their children, Jennifer (José Manaligod) and Steven (Carrie), and their grandchildren, Lucy and Charles. They survive him, as do his siblings, Regis (Ann), Clara, and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Showich (Loretta). Dan was especially close with his nieces and nephews, several of whom assisted Bev as she cared for him at home in his final years. He was preceded in death by Loretta, his father Donald, his mother, Mary, and infant son, John.

While Dan spent two decades working in sales at Western Union, he always dreamed of owning a business in the communications industry. That dream came true when he co-founded Dantom Systems. Dedicated to building respectful and supportive relationships with every customer, colleague, and employee, Dan led the business with integrity until 2010.

Dan and Bev gathered around them a big, close, and occasionally raucous group of family and friends. They threw fabulous parties, in their home, at their cottage, and outside Michigan Stadium on football Saturdays. He laughed easily and often, listened with attention and sympathy, and offered emotional and material support to everyone without hesitation. Dan was a faithful Catholic who lived out his faith in all his relationships. He frequently said, “There are givers and takers in this world. The takers eat better, but the givers sleep better.” Dan’s family and friends know that he is resting well, rewarded for a life very well-lived.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. A livestreamed rosary service will be held at 7:00 pm.

An in state will occur on Saturday, January 17, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am at St Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170, followed by a funeral mass beginning at 10:00 am. He will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.

Contributions in Dan's memory are appreciated to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation.