Honorable John P. Buckley

The Honorable John P. Buckley, a lifelong Waukesha resident, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at his home. He was born in Waukesha on November 29, 1925, the son of Patrick and Evelyn (nee Wood) Buckley. He was a graduate of Waukesha High School where he earned the title of Wisconsin State Diving Champion. He went on to earn his law degree from Marquette University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII. He became a prisoner of war in France while saving the vineyards. John was grateful to be able to go on a Stars and Stripes Honor Flight in 2011. On June 14, 1952 he married Mary Ann Mastrostefano; she preceded him in death on June 4, 1997. John worked as an attorney throughout the Waukesha area and served as City Attorney for Muskego and other communities in Waukesha County. He served as a circuit and municipal court judge in Waukesha County and as a reserve judge in Milwaukee County. He was a member of St. William Catholic Church. John loved his family, was passionate about golf, and became a friend and mentor to many. He was an outstanding role model of integrity, honor, and knew how to live life with a sense of humor. He was a simple, wise and humble man.

He will be deeply missed by his children, David (Mary Ann) Buckley of Waukesha, Mark Buckley of Land O’ Lakes, Karen (Rod) Daering of Waukesha, John P. (Laura) Buckley Jr. of Waukesha, Michael Buckley of Milwaukee and his daughter-in-law Ann Buckley of Vail, AZ. He was the cherished grandfather of Christopher (Jennie) Buckley, Shailagh (Brandon) Merrill, Ashley (Bill) Freeburn, Nicole (Brian) Siekert, Angela (Jonathan) Kolf, Tony Buckley, Damara Buckley, Nicholas Daering, Lauren Daering, Jake Buckley and 11 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his companion Joan “Toddy” Linnan of Oconomowoc, his brothers, Patrick (Nancy) Buckley of Dousman, William (Rose) Buckley of Seattle and Raymond (Barbara) Buckley of South Milwaukee along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Kevin and brother James.

Visitation will be held at St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188 on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Curt Frederick will preside. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. William Catholic Church (Address above) or to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, P.O. Box 636 Port Washington, WI 53074.