Bruce P. Buckley

MONTPELIER — The heart of a gracious man stopped beating on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at his home in Homosassa, Fla. Bruce adapted to his end-of-life health issues in the same manner in which he lived his life with good nature, upbeat attitude and no amount of resentment or self-pity. He was a person of form and grace and will be dearly missed.

He was born and lived in Montpelier and Barre areas until he retired and moved to Homosassa 11 years ago.

After Bruce was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he worked for WSNO where he announced local ballgames until he began his career with the Farrell Distribution Co. as a salesman serving local restaurants and grocery stores, as well as Sugarbush and Jay Peak ski resorts, before being promoted to assistant state wine manager. Bruce’s knowledge of wine was unmatched.

As a young boy Bruce was the happiest when he was at Kamp Kill Kare’s summer camp for boys in St. Albans. He was an Air Force veteran, a member of the Barre Country Club of Plainfield, 7 Rivers Golf Club of Crystal River, Fla., and the Montpelier Elks Lodge.

He was predeceased by his son Kirk McG. Buckley and his parents George P. and Dorothy (Tucker) Buckley.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Jeannine Bourassa Buckley, of Homosassa; brother Douglas Buckley, of St. Albans, and his children Beth, Douglas and Conrad; three brothers-in-law and their wives, Roger and Donna Bourassa, Joseph and Sheila Bourassa and Paul and Mimmie Bourassa; numerous nieces, nephews (that he loved dearly) and grandnieces and -nephews.

A Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church in Winooski Saturday, June 2, at 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of his life at the Windjammer’s Upper Deck Pub. All are invited.

Interment will take place at Hope Cemetery in Barre Sunday, June 3, at 2 p.m. for family and close friends only.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Bruce may be given to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.