Youth hockey coach and beloved storyteller

Published August 8, 2019

NORTH READING — Paul E. Buckley, 60, of North Reading, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2019.

Paul was the beloved husband of Lisa (Lachiana) Buckley and the devoted father of Jeremy, Sean, Liam, Timothy and Audrey Buckley of North Reading. He was the loving son of the late Jeremiah Buckley and Marie Agnes (Horgan) Buckley.

He was the cherished brother of James Buckley and his wife Jeane of New Hampshire, Barbara Dwyer and her husband Robert of Pennsylvania, Kathleen Brown and her husband Tom of Georgia, Brian Buckley and his wife Gail of Lynnfield, Susan Mabee and her husband William of Saugus and the late Gerald Buckley and his surviving wife Rose of Chelsea.

As a child Paul played hockey and baseball, his favorite sport being hockey. His love of hockey, and coaching each of his children, led to him coaching for the town of North Reading for many years. He always found a way to make each player smile, have fun and be proud of their accomplishments. Paul touched the hearts of many.

His infamous stories and jokes were so entertaining and it didn’t matter how many times you heard them or how long it took for him to get through them. Each and every one of his children’s friends that came into our home, he made feel welcomed. He loved them all as if they were his own. Paul was a kind, compassionate man who loved his family immensely. Nothing made him happier than the time he spent with his children. He was so proud of each of them and their accomplishments.

He treasured summer vacations at Goose Rocks Beach, Maine with his family. The memories we all shared there will be in our hearts forever. Holidays were special to Paul as he was surrounded by family that he loved.

Paul worked for NCR Corporation for almost 40 years. He loved his projects around the house. Whether it be building step stools, constructing the backyard rink, or taking care of his garden, there was never a project he didn’t tackle. A brother, son, coach, golfer, storyteller and role model; Paul wore many hats but was most proud of being a loving husband and father. He would move heaven and earth for his family and friends. The fun memories are endless and he enjoyed many of them spent with his family and children.

His funeral will be held from the Cota Family Funeral Home, 335 Park Street (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28) in North Reading, at Reading line, on Friday, August 9 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at Saint Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, at 10:30 a.m. A visitation will be held on Thursday night, August 8 from 4 – 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Buckley Children’s Fund, c/o Reading Cooperative Bank,170 Park St., North Reading, MA 01864. To leave a message of condolence online please visit: www.cotafuneralhomes.com.