Obituary of Dennis J Buckley

With grace and dignity, Dennis J. Buckley, 90 of North Syracuse, NY, passed away April 12, 2024, at Francis House, Syracuse, NY.

Dennis, fondly known as Denny and Papa, was born on a stormy and snowy night, November 14, 1933, in Utica, NY, to the late Maurice and Mary Frances Welch Buckley. Embarking on a life of remarkable achievements, Dennis graduated from UFA High School and Mohawk Valley Community College before serving two honorable years in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Utica College, ultimately graduating from Syracuse University in 1961 with a BS in Electrical Engineering.

He participated and excelled at college level baseball for four years earning a varsity letter and distinguishing himself as a left-handed pitcher.

Dennis loved his job and devoted over 36 years of his professional career to General Electric, where he advanced from a design/project engineer to the esteemed role of Program and Technical Manager of the MOD lll Atlas Guidance Program. He played a pivotal role in the successful guidance launch of the original astronauts into

Earth’s orbit. His expertise extended to the design and operation of the MOD lll Airborne Guidance Transponders instrumental in a record 283 consecutive successful Atlas and Titan launches of both military and commercial satellites.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Denny was a member of various organizations, including the K of C Council 189 of Utica, NY, the American Legion Post 787, Cicero, NY and the Syracuse Pistol Club. An avid reader and skilled handball and racquetball player, he found joy in active pursuits, even relishing downhill skiing well into his senior years. It was at Snow Ridge Mountain that he was introduced to Diana, the love of his life. Denny dedicated 12 years to the Taft Road Little League as an umpire, was instrumental in founding the Girls Softball league, and enjoyed many years managing and coaching the champion Mustang team.

Left to treasure his memory are his devoted wife of nearly 60 years Diana (Kocyla) Buckley who he married on June 6, 1964; daughters Cindy (Tim) Koren and Colleen (Jay Mikus) Buckley; cherished grandchildren Jonathan, Olivia and Adam; and the newest addition great-grandson Jack. Also his beloved sisters, Maureen Bellardini and Mary Helen (Joseph) Kunkel and brother Joseph (Sharon) Buckley; dear “adopted sister-in- law” and Nurse Mary Ellen Coon, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Susan Buckley, OSF, his brother-in-law Francis Bellardini, and his mother & father-in-law, Libby and John Kocyla.

Denny was an incredible, talented, and humble man. Our favorite “Rocket Scientist.” On angel’s wings you were taken, but in our hearts you’ll stay, in God’s light you will find joy, ‘til we meet again someday.

A calling hour will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10am to 11am, followed by a Mass at 11am, both at St. Margaret’s Church, 200 Roxboro Rd, Mattydale, NY.

Burial will be private.

Donations can be made to:

Franciscan Sisters of Allegany

St. Elizabeth Motherhouse

Allegany, NY  14706