Buckley, Patrick W.

Patrick W. Buckley, 55, of Solon, died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.Funeral services celebrating the life of Pat will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon, with the Rev. James Vrba officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Solon.Visitation will be held at the church from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Patrick Warren Buckley was born May 29, 1957, in Erie, Pa., the son of Daniel Joseph and Elizabeth “Betty” Weaver.Following graduation from Case High School in Swansea, Mass., in 1976, Pat enlisted in the United States Air Force.With this enlistment, a military career that spanned 20 years, began.While in the service he continued his education, receiving his B.A. degree from Park College, and his M.A.degree from Central Michigan University.For a number of years during service he was stationed at the base in Grand Forks, N.D.Here is where Pat met and married Julie A. Phillips on Sept. 14, 1991.In 1997, Pat retired from his military career to begin a career with Pearson in Iowa City.At this time he and his family moved to Solon, where they have resided happily on Lake Macbride golf course.

Pat had been active in the Grand Forks community while stationed there, serving on numerous charitable boards, groups, and organizations, including the Newman Center capital campaign committee and the North Dakota Jaycees leadership (remember Jaycee's “service to humanity is the best work of life”).Additionally Pat loved his long tenure as manager of the Liberty Square roller rink at Grand Forks AFB, where he and Julie basically raised Jennifer and Bryan, made many wonderful acquaintances and began numerous lifelong friendships.

Upon moving to Solon, Pat had been an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Johnson County Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization and really enjoyed his involvement with the Special Olympics annual bowling event.

He loved much in this world, friends, doing Fourth of July fireworks for the neighborhood, the game of golf, traveling across the globe, but nothing was dearer to his heart than his family, especially after the grandkids started coming along!

His family includes his wife, Julie; daughters, Stephanie Milone of Tavernier, Fla., Amie Buckley of Greenville, N.H., Tina Travis of Cedar Rapids and Jennifer Gomez (Jeremy) of Cedar Rapids; a son, Bryan Sloan (fiancee Jamie Hyde) of Ely; and grandchildren, Ethan, Kaden, Marcus, Ava, Heaven, Angeline, Carol, Aaron, Miya and Kara.Other family includes his mother, Betty Buckley of Cedar Rapids; three brothers, Daniel of Colfax, Calif., Michael (Dayle) of Fall River, Mass., and Stephen (Debra) of North Dartmouth, Mass.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In his passing Pat wishes for only happiness, laughter and smiles during this reflection of his life.He wants his family and friends to know he is in a better place and expects them to live life to the fullest and search for every happiness that this world has to offer. Live, Laugh and most importantly Love often.

Pat was preceded in death by his father, Daniel J. Buckley Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the CTCA (Cancer Treatment Center of America, c/o Midwestern Regional Medical Center, 2520 Elisha Ave., Zion, IL60099).

Online condolences may be sent for Pat's family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Patrick's family and his services.

Published Aug. 31, 2012 in The Gazette