Richard C. Buckley, 94, of Derry NH died peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024 surrounded by his family. His life was the perfect blend of hard work, dedication, humor and love. To know Richard was to feel cared for, important, comfortable and at ease.
Richard was born in Weare, NH on June 7,1930 to Frank and Arlene Buckley. He moved to Derry at the age of eleven, where he grew up with his eight siblings. Richard attended Pinkerton Academy, graduating in the Class of 1948.
After high school, Richard joined the US Navy. He was a sailor aboard the USS Boxer and served for four years. While stationed in Phoenix, AZ at a naval air facility, this young sailor captured the attention of his lifelong sweetheart, Rosalie. Upon being discharged from the Navy, Richard and Rosalie were married on October 29, 1952. They began their life together, moving back to Derry NH where they built their forever home and family on Pleasant Street.
Taking over his father’s business, Richard was the operator of Buckley’s Egg Express in Derry for almost fifty years. His success was due to his hands-on, hardworking nature and ability to create trusted relationships.
With a strong sense of service, Richard gave back to the Derry community. He was the President of the Alexander Eastman Hospital. In this role, he was instrumental in enhancing the town’s healthcare by helping to establish Parkland Medical Center. He then established and served as President of the Alexander Eastman Foundation which to this day provides grants for healthcare in the greater Derry area.
Richard was elected town Selectman in 1984 and went on to serve as President of the Town Council in 1986. He was a valued member of the Derry Rotary Club. Richard made lifelong friends as a member of Hoodkroft Country Club.
After a lifetime of hard work, retirement was reluctant and somewhat difficult for Richard. He found great fulfillment by donating his time to the American Cancer Society, providing transportation for cancer patients.
The family which Richard and Rosalie built together meant the world to him. Richard’s five children, fourteen grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren were his greatest source of pride and joy. Fond memories of summers by the pool, large holiday gatherings, golf outings, card games, his quick wit, and his unwavering and absolute support will forever be treasured by his family.
The love between Richard and Rosalie is hard to express in mere words. Married for seventy one years, each year gave more clarity to how much they meant to each other. As they would often say, “We make a good team.” Thanks to Rosalie’s care they were able to continue living together in the home they loved.
Richard is survived by his wife Rosalie, son Michael Buckley and his wife Shirley, son James Buckley and his wife Tina, son Robert Buckley and his wife Carole, daughter Janet Janiak and Tom Janiak, and daughter Susan Lisauskas and her husband Rich. He is survived by his grandchildren Kristen Barry, Jeffrey Buckley, Katie Buckley, Jason Buckley, Brooke Mackey, Garrett Buckley, Sarah Nardella, Lukas Buckley, Joe Janiak, TJ Janiak, Jake Lisauskas, Lauren Lisauskas and Hannah Lisauskas. The heartbreak of his life was the loss of his beloved granddaughter Jennifer Janiak in 2015.
Richard is predeceased by his brothers Arnold and Raymond Buckley, and his sisters Marilyn Joyce and Shirley Hayward. He is survived by his sisters Lois Murray, Barbara Patnaude, Gail Levesque, his brother Thomas Buckley and many nieces and nephews.
To honor and celebrate Richard’s life, calling hours will be held on Monday, August 5th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A funeral service will follow at 11:00am in the funeral home, with burial to conclude at Forest Hill Cemetery. Following the burial, all are welcome to join the family for a time of fond remembrance and fellowship at Atkinson Country Club.