Joseph Patrick Buckley's Obituary
Joseph Patrick Buckley, a beloved father, husband, teacher, and musician passed away on June 4, 2025. He was 82. Joe was a music teacher for more than 35 years, helping hundreds of students learn how to play an instrument.
Born June 9, 1942 to Helen (Young) and Patrick Buckley, Joe grew up in Lawrence, MA, and attended St. Rita's Elementary School. Proficient in many musical instruments, his first love was the trumpet after receiving one from his uncle Leonard, known by his family as "Brownie." He graduated from Lawrence High School before attending the New England Conservatory of Music and then earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from the Boston Conservatory of Music.
Joe taught classroom and instrumental music in the Tewksbury, MA, public school system for 36 ½ years, teaching kindergarten through high school over the course of his career. He was a founding member of the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, performing with them for 40 years, and was also a long-time member of the Nevers’ Second Regiment Band in Concord, NH.
Joe was a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada Local #300 - Merrimack Valley Musicians and performed in numerous night clubs, parades, and churches. He also belonged to the Massachusetts Music Educators Society and the Massachusetts Teachers Association and was a Life Member of the National Association for Music Education.
Joe married Kathy (Freije) Buckley in 1973, and they lived in Windham, NH, until 2002 before moving full-time to Half Moon Lake in Barnstead, NH. He enjoyed time with family, boating, downhill skiing (into his late 70s) and working on home improvement projects. Often, he could be found in the garage or basement tinkering with small engines and trying out new tools. He was rooted in his Catholic faith, a fan of classical music and the New England Patriots, and had a legendary sweet tooth. Joe was a true gentleman, renowned for his kindness, and a loyal friend.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathy, of Barnstead; son Patrick, of Meredith; sister Betty Poirier, of Windham; nieces Nancy and her husband Lance Hamel, of Windham, and Kathleen and her husband Jim Blum, of Methuen, MA; nephew Tim and his wife Kate Poirier, of Sebastian, FL; and their families; and several cousins.
Calling hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, 35 Merrimack St, in North Andover, MA. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 12, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 2 Searles Rd, in Windham, NH. Please meet directly at church, Thank you.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joe’s name may be made to the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association (15 Constitution Dr, Suite 1G, Bedford, NH 03110), the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra (PO Box 332, Haverhill, MA 01831 or https://mvpomusic.com/giving/), or the Nevers' Band (https://www.neversband.org).
The John Breen Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit https://www.breenfuneralhome.com/.
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