Raymond J. Buckley

The man, the myth, the legend…Raymond J. Buckley born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1936 in Jersey City, NJ passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024 at Hartford Hospital with his beloved family by his side. He was a devoted husband to his wife Patricia Marie (Kelly) for more than 66 years and loving father to Patricia (David), Lynn (Dino), Raymond (Mary) and Bob (Julie). 

His parents, Helen & John Buckley, were incredibly proud of their son. Ray was the oldest of four children, John (Betty), Helen (Jim), and Joanie (Tom). He served his country with pride in the US Navy and attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ after his military service.

Ray was a family man, deeply rooted in his faith. He took his role as patriarch of the family with profound pride, finding happiness in all their successes and accomplishments. Known for his incredible sense of humor, gift of storytelling, he always had an adventure to share.

He loved playing golf with his friends and especially his two sons. Ray had a great passion for music, dancing, and found joy in cooking his favorite meals with a Manhattan in hand. He was an avid reader and movie buff, often giving the best recommendations to his family and friends. Ray and Pat were blessed with friends everywhere they went. They had the beautiful gift of making friends who became family.

He cherished his wife Pat, who was the love of his life. They had so many adventures including extensive travel, countless golf matches, trips to the shore, and dance parties in the kitchen.

Ray found great success in his career and had a tireless work ethic, serving more than 40 years at the American Can Company. He was beloved by co-workers who became life long friends.

He held a very special place in his heart for his 10 wonderful grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren: Katie (Steve), Lisa (Brandon), Christopher (Kyle), Megan (Cody), Melanie, Bobby (Alysha), Raymond, Shannon, Maxwell, and Jake.

Ray was predeceased in death by his parents John and Helen Buckley, siblings John Buckley and Helen Burns, brother in-law Jim Burns, and granddaughter Melanie Rossini.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Mass on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Church, 26 Dodgingtown Rd, in Bethel, CT 06801.

In lieu of flowers, the Buckley family would like to invite you to consider making a donation to Hartford Hospital, Department of Philanthropy, 80 Seymour St, PO Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102. A heartfelt thank you to the Morgan unit staff at Jefferson House in Newington, CT and the staff at Hartford Hospital for their loving and attentive care. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.