William
Buckner
From New Castle News
William J. Buckner, 85, of Pulaski passed away Oct. 1, 2019, at his residence.
Born on Sept. 18, 1934, in New Castle, he was a son of James H. and Lillian B. (Andrews) Buckner.
Bill was recently preceded in death on Sept. 16, 2019, by his wife of 59 years, Margaret S. "Peggy" (Strupcewski) Buckner, whom he married on Feb. 1, 1960.
He served his country in the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict from 1953 to 1956 as a sergeant.
He received his bachelor's degree in music and his teaching certificate at Mansfield State College and gained employment with Holmdel Township School District in New Jersey as the instrumental music teacher and band director.
He was a Third Degree Mason with the Mahoning New Castle Lodge 243.
Among his interests, he was an avid fisherman, enjoyed recreational flying and competition rifle shooting, becoming a New Jersey State Champion.
William was of Methodist faith.
Bill was chairman of the committee for the 50th Reunion of the Class of 52.
Surviving are his two sons, Jonathan A.B. Buckner of Pulaski and William A.H. Buckner and wife, Diane M., of Allen, Texas; a brother, John B. Buckner of New Castle; a brother-in-law, Anthony Strupcewski of Valley Cottage, New York; and three grandchildren, Nicholas Tompkins, Nathaniel Buckner and Zachary Buckner.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Frank A. Buckner.
He will be laid to rest beside his wife in Graceland Cemetery.
Bill was the 56th classmate to walk down the aisle at gradation. After his name in the Yearbook, it reads: Track 10-11-12, Basketball 11, Cross Country 11-12, Band 10-11-12, Orchestra 10-12, Choir 12, Camera Club 11.
At the 60th Reunion, from left, Mary Jane Lewis Riedel of Lancaster, Ohio, Laura Conway Crawford of New Castle, Pat Trumble Whiteford of Erie, Bill Buckner (behind her), Marcia Rowe Walker, Peggy Buckner, and Barbara Bender Howe of Maitland, Florida
