Daniel James Buckley

Daniel “Dan” James Buckley, 76, of Gainesville, Florida passed away on May 5, 2026, due to stroke complications. Dan was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio with his loving parents Bill and Pat Buckley and eight siblings: Dave (Lorraine) Buckley, Diane (Randy) Jackson, Don (†Laura) Buckley, Debra (Dave) Imbus, Denise (†Bobby) Bell, Peggy (Jim) McRoberts, Trish (Kashi Honarkhah) Buckley, and Marie (Nick) Coldwell.

A Foundation of Service: Dan’s journey of service began in the United States Navy, where he served as a Petty Officer from 1967 to 1972 during the Vietnam War. Assigned to the USS Annapolis, Dan managed critical communications that shaped decisions and moved troops. His service took him around the world, including Japan and Spain. For his reliability and excellence under pressure, he was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Even amidst the weight of war, Dan found moments of humanity on the ship’s basketball court between duties. After his time in the military, Dan took a civilian job in the Marshall Islands with Radio Hawaii for one year on so small an atoll that it could not be walked across during high tide as it split into two islands!

A Career of Precision: Following his military service, Dan transitioned into a distinguished career in procurement and supply chain management. A proud alumnus of Saint Gertrude, Schoeder Jr., Woodward High School (Class of ’67) and the University of Cincinnati, he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1980 and pursued graduate studies in Industrial Relations. Over five decades, Dan became a pillar in the aerospace and energy industries. From his early years as a foreman and administrator at General Electric Aircraft Engines to his most recent role as a Purchasing Specialist at Siemens Energy AG, he was known for his technical expertise and financial stewardship. Whether he was procuring jet engine turbines, supporting the Motorola IRIDIUM satellite program, or managing multi-million dollar spends for power plants, Dan’s work was quietly essential and executed with the same steady hand he brought to every aspect of his life.

Faith and Family: In 1974, Dan welcomed the birth of his first child, Beth. On February 14, 1976, Dan married Mary Ann Clausen. For 39 years, they built a life centered on their Catholic faith—a foundation they passed on to their four children. Though his career often required the family to move, Dan’s presence ensured that “home” was wherever they landed. The family’s journey took them from Cincinnati to Montgomery, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; Omaha, Nebraska; Orlando, Florida; and finally, Gainesville, Florida. Dan showed his love through action and consistency. This was never more evident than during Mary Ann’s five-year battle with cancer. Dan served as her faithful caregiver, standing beside her with quiet endurance until she passed peacefully in their Ocoee home. Following her passing, Dan remained a constant for his children, ensuring family remained the center of their lives.

A Pillar of his Communities: Dan was a man of many talents and interests. He filled rooms with music as an accordionist, playing for friends, neighbors, and the Spanish language Mass at his church. A man of devout routine, he was a dedicated choir member and active participant in his parishes, including St. Saviour, Holy Spirit, Divine Redeemer, St. Leo’s, St. Andrew’s, and Holy Faith. He served as the President of his Homeowners Association at The Reserve in Ocoee, Financial Secretary for the Knights of Columbus at St. Andrew’s and was a dedicated youth mentor as a Cub Master and Boy Scout Troop Leader of Pack 18 at St. Saviour. An avid sportsman, coach, and official, Dan was a familiar face on the sidelines as a soccer, swimming, and diving official for high school and amateur leagues.

A Legacy of Service: Dan Buckley did not ask for recognition; he simply did what he knew needed to be done. He lived a life of service to his faith, family, country and local communities. He will be remembered as a steady presence and a quiet strength who showed up every day for those who depended on him even in his final days helping fellow neighbors at the Atrium, volunteering at St. Patrick’s soccer and St. Francis Catholic Academy’s WolfBotics and singing choir at Holy Faith up until the end. In his later years as a widower, he found constant companionship and loyalty in his German Shepherd, Luna.

Dan is survived by his children, Beth Buckley, Daniel J. Buckley, II, Dante A. (Taryn) Buckley, and Fr. Dominic J. Buckley, as well as his grandchildren, Kieger, Duncan, Xavier, and Quintin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Pat Buckley, and his believe wife, Mary Ann (nee Clausen) Buckley.

Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Monday, May 11th from 5:30PM until the time of Prayer Service 7:30PM at Thomas-Justin Memorial, 7500 Montgomery Rd. (45236) Kenwood.

Interment will be held on Tuesday, May 12th at 11AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Rd. (45249) Montgomery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Veteran’s Program at E.T. York Have Hospice (Please write “Veterans Program” in the Additional Comments area).