Leo F. Buckley
July 14, 1927-Aug. 12, 1987
Niles Daily Star, Friday, August 14, 1987, page 1, col. 3-5, continued on page 3, microfilm Niles District Library.
Community loses Leo Buckley
By Bruce Van Deylen
Daily Star Staff Writer
NILES—The Niles community last a highly respected citizen early Wednesday when Leo F. Buckley passed away. He died at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday at Pawating Hospital following an extended illness. He was 60 years old.
Those who knew him in business and community affairs described Buckley as an extremely capable and highly valued individual.
Gary Moe, executive director of the Greater Niles Economic Development Foundation, said Buckley “was a one-of-a-kind individual. You felt lucky that you've met an individual like that.”
Buckley was Moe's immediate predecessor at the Small Business Development Center. On loan from National-Standard Co., Buckley served as interim director after Norman J. Repanich left the post in July 1986.
After Moe became director, Buckley continued to work closely with the center to assure its continued success. Moe said Buckley worked up until three weeks ago when his illness kept him from working any longer. “He did whatever was needed to be done.” Moe said.
Gary Gaynor, president of the foundation and Buckley's neighbor, also had words of praise for his departed friend. Buckley “served us well while we were looking for a director,” Gaynor said. “He was an integral part of the community and we are going to miss him.”
National-Standard Chief Executive Officer Gerald Frieling spoke of Buckley's contribution to the Niles manufacturer during some very difficult years in the firm's history. “he was a very respected employee.” Frieling said., adding that Buckley was highly regarded by his colleagues at National-Standard and by many of the firm's major customers.
Buckley retired earlier this year as managing director of export sales after 30 years at National-Standard. From 1980 to 1982 he worked in England with the firm's British subsidiary developing the welding products business.
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In 1964 Buckley became manager of the welding wire sales division. He received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Missouri and was president of the American Wire Producers Association and a member of the American Welding Society.
Prior to joining National-Standard Buckley worked as teacher and coach at Howe Military School, Howe, Ind., and in the Dade County Public Schools, Miami.
Active in numerous civic and community organizations, Buckley was 1985 campaign chairman for United Way of Greater Niles. He was also a past board member of the Niles Buchanan YMCA and past director of Pawating Hospital. He was past president of the Niles Township Republican Committee, the Niles City Club and Orchard Hills Country Club.
A member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Niles, he served as junior and senior warden of the church He was also a US Army Korean War veteran.
A former Jaycee Man of the Year, he was also a member of the Michiana Trade Association, Niles Pickwick Club, Signal Point Country Club, Knollwood Country Club and Goat Island Yacht Club, Newport, R.I.
Halbritter Funeral Home, in charge of funeral arrangements, indicated private committal services are being planned by the family. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Orchard hills Country Club.
Born July 14, 1927, in Beverly, Mass., Buckley lived in the area since 1957. He was married June 21, 1952, to the former Patricia H. Hull who survives.
Other survivors are: a son, Andrew of Fox Like, Ill.; a daughter, Amy of Niles; three brothers, James of Laconia, N.H.; Jack of Beverly, Mass., and Arthur Riddle of Cambridge, Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service, Nation Cancer Institute, and Marshall Research Fund in care of medical center development at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.