With his beloved wife, sons, brother and sisters gathered, John M. Buckley of Marion died after a long illness on Sunday, Dec. 13. John Buckley, or Bucko as he was widely known, leaves an exceptional legacy of commitments to his wide family, community and the sport of sailing. Born in Worcester in 1939, the son of the late John F. Buckley and Elizabeth Davis Buckley, John leaves his wife Nanna Lindquist Buckley of Marion; his son John Davis Buckley and Barbara Blackman; his son Adam Preston Buckley and his wife Amy Lobacz Buckley, all of Burlington, Vermont; his stepdaughter, Lindsey Lindquist Sawyer of Marion; and Patricia Preston Buckley of Shelburne, Vermont, his former wife.

A treasured brother, he leaves two sisters, Elizabeth Buckley Kubik and her husband James of Rockport and Deborah Buckley Hull of Redondo Beach, California; his brother Davis A. Buckley and his wife Jean Smith Buckley of Washington, D.C. A devoted grandfather, he leaves his grandchildren Jack, Kate, Luke and Olivia Buckley, seven loving nieces and 13 grand nieces and nephews. John graduated from the Bancroft School, Worcester Academy and Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in physics; he received an M.B.A. from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

His career began at High Voltage Engineering followed by Braincon, Black and Webster, MKS Instruments and Buckley Consultants. John’s commitments to the community included serving on Marion’s School, Finance and Conservation Committees. A former commodore and race chairman of the Beverly Yacht Club he spearheaded the “Porch Project” and was instrumental in founding the Women’s Racing Program. John was recognized nationally for his race management of major regattas and championships as well as for his own sailing accomplishments.

Above all he was a great mentor and always willing to share his knowledge providing support for new and old sailors and innovative programs while enlivening all of his endeavors with wit, laughter, loyalty, a big smile and a sharp intellect. A competitive squash player, he enjoyed music throughout his life. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. at the Music Hall in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his memory may be made to Pine Street Inn by mail to 444 Harrison Ave., Boston MA 02118 or online at www.pinestinn.org/donate/memorialtribute_gifts. Arrangements by the Wareham Village Funeral Home.