Thomas John Buckley

Tom was born in Inman (Duane) on June 3, 1939, the son of George H. and Margaret H. (Hogan) Buckley.

He graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1956 at the age of 16. He was too young to join the military, so he began his 39-year career with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, retiring as an analyst. He attended Paul Smith’s College as a forestry student and work-related leadership courses at North Country Community College. Tom served as President of the Saranac Lake School Board of Education in order to reciprocate his appreciation for the education his children received. He was very proud to shake the hands of all graduating seniors, including all of his four children, and to give them their diplomas upon graduation.

Tom was an avid member of the Rotary Club, serving on many committees to help the organization fulfill their many wonderful goals whether it be for the Scholarship Fund or selling cotton candy for Winter Carnival. Tom owned and operated a construction company throughout his life and shared his mechanical knowledge with his children and grandchildren. Tom was a founding member of the Hatch Brook Hunting Club and a true outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed the story telling, card games, great food and best of all, the comradery of all his friends and neighbors, especially the late Senator Ronald B. Stafford who was often a guest at camp.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara (O’Donnell) Buckley; his four children: Thomas Jr. (Rachael), Kathleen (David), Robert (Terry), and Michael (Venessa); and eight grandchildren: Zachary, Thomas III, Lauren, Kaitlynn, Shanna, Hunter, Jayda and William. He is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Pebbles and Patricia Buckley.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, brother George Jr., and his sisters Margaret E. and her twin Marie.

Arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the charity of your choice. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

There will be a wake at the funeral home on Friday, May 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. and a mass of Christian burial on Saturday, May 24 at Church of the Assumption in Gabriels 11 a.m., with burial to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery in Gabriels. A celebration of life will follow at the Elks Club in Saranac Lake.