Robert M. Buckley, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away June 23, 2010 at Lifepath Hospice House.  After serving in the Navy during WWII, Bob went to work at the Buffalo New York Courier Express, retiring as an editor after 43 years.  He taught journalism in a local college after retirement and had many passions (besides his wife and family!)  During his college years at Holy Cross, he enjoyed participating in the bands, arranging and composing music, creating choral music settings and playing trumpet in the Crusaders' Dance Band.  Music remained a passion of Bob's his entire life.  The estates of e.e. cummings and Dylan Thomas thought he was good enough that they gave him official permission to set certain poems to his music. He taught "Music of the 20s, 30s and 40s" in venues ranging from colleges to finally Kings Point, in an effort to keep those beautiful lyrics and music alive.  He loved to play the piano–always volunteering for nursing homes and for the Alzheimer's unit at Plaza West.  The chromatic harmonica was where he was a real virtuoso; specializing in classical music and jazz.  Last year he began playing with the Front Porch Pickers, enjoying adding their broader repertoire to his knowledge.  Another current favorite was playing with Jim Crossley's jazz group. When steam trains and trolleys began to disappear, he spent all of his vacations filming them in 16mm; these are archival, due to his meticulous editing and filming.  He even won two international film festival awards for short art films.  Antique postcards, old sheet music, and his two antique cars also enriched his life.  At Sun City Methodist Church, he loved the choir and its members and volunteered as a member of STARS and SHARE. He was beloved by sons and daughters in law, John and Taryn, Darrell and Marisa; Grandchildren, Jordyn, Sean, Wylie, Scott, Foley, and Hadley; dearest cousins Patty, Wendy McDonell, and Bob and Christopher Pino, and adored by his wife, Desi.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 11am from Sun City Methodist Church, 1210 Del Webb Blvd W, Sun City Center, FL 33573 with Dr. Warren Langer officiating. A private family interment was held on Tuesday, June 29th at Sarasota National Cemetery. Should friends desire, donations may be made to LifePath Hospice in memory of Robert M. Buckley.