David Buckley Obituary

David Joseph Buckley
2025
Las Vegas, NV
David Joseph Buckley, age 84, a proud veteran of the United States Navy, passed away on June 26 in Las Vegas, after a period of declining health. The son of Marie and Joseph Buckley, David grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts and attended Springfield schools. Dave graduated from Boston College in 1962 with a degree in Economics. After college, Mr. Buckley joined the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Mountrail, APA-213, as a commissioned officer during the Vietnam War. As Operations Officer, Lt. Buckley was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Upon separation from the Navy, David worked as an insurance underwriter for 10 years in California before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1979, David joined the hospitality industry in Las Vegas as a night auditor for a local hotel. In 1984, Mr. Buckley began his career with the United States Postal Service until his retirement in 2001. He truly enjoyed being a letter-carrier and the many relationships he made with families and businesses on his routes.
David was pre-deceased by his parents, Marie and Joseph Buckley of Springfield, MA. He is survived by his sister, Jane Peterson (Peter) of Farmington, CT; brothers, Joseph Buckley (Maureen) of Marlborough, MA; Brian Buckley (Ellen) of Hampton, NH; Paul Buckley (Susan) of Monroe Township, NJ; and ten nieces and nephews.
Mr. Buckley's family would like to thank the many compassionate caregivers of the past several years, with special gratitude to the staff at West Morning Star and Santa Fe Group Homes, the Hospice staff, and especially Dave's long-time best friend, Steve Duffy, for his unending kindness. David's family and friends will always remember his great sense of humor, sharp wit, personal integrity, and love of everything Boston College and, of course, his beloved Red Sox. His BC alum friends, who met in Las Vegas to watch Eagles games of all sports, meant the world to him.
A celebration of David's life will take place at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive in Boulder City in August 2025. LaPaloma Funeral Home of Las Vegas will coordinate arrangements. Those wishing to honor David's life can donate to, or volunteer at, a charitable organization of one's choice.