Park district supt. of parks
Lawrence P. Buckley Jr., 58, died on Oct. 15, 2019. Born on June 29, 1961, he was the longtime superintendent of parks at the Park District of Forest Park. The district shared their condolences on social media with the following statement:
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Larry Buckley, our recently retired superintendent of parks. Larry kept our park looking beautiful for 30 years and was a great mentor and friend to many. On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and staff of the Park District of Forest Park, we extend our deepest sympathies to Larry’s family. He will be sorely missed by his co-workers and colleagues.”
Buckley received a Presidential Award a few years ago from the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame in Forest Park, which also expressed its sadness at the news of Buckley’s death.
“He was a good guy who was always willing to help,” said Park District Commissioner Roy Sansone, who grew up in Forest Park with Buckley. “He mentored a lot of people through the park, especially summer employees who sometimes were employed for the first time ever.”
Sansone also mentioned the high standard Buckley set when it came to the park. “He knew the park represented the town, and he worked hard to keep it clean and well maintained at all times. He set an example for those around him.”
Larry Buckley was the husband of Mary Buckley for 30 years; the father of Larry III (Storyheart), Jacob and the late Elsa Patricia Buckley; the grandfather of Winry; the brother of Patricia Rausch, Katherine Buckley, Deborah (Ernie) Scheitel, and the late Sandra Collins; and the uncle of many.
Visitation was held on Oct. 20, with the funeral service on Oct. 21, at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
