Services for Gerard Buckley Begin Sunday

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A community will come together in mourning Sunday as funeral services begin for Gerard Buckley II, who died suddenly on Thursday.

Visitation will take place on Sunday at the Hampton Bays Fire Department substation one on Ponquogue Avenue from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, at the Church of St. Rosalie, located at 31 E. Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays, at 10:30 a.m.

The community was stunned and heartbroken to hear the tragic news.

"It is with deepest regret that 35-year member, Ex-commissioner and Ex-chief Gerard M. Buckley II, father of firefighter Gerard M. Buckley III, has answered his last alarm," the Hampton Bays Fire Department said on Facebook Thursday.

In addition, Gerard Buckley was former Scoutmaster for Troop 483 in Hampton Bays; he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, one of Scouting's highest honors, in 2009 for his dedicated years of service to youth and the community.

Grieving friends have turned to Buckley's Facebook page to express their deep sorrow.

"A wonderful man; a true gentleman with a total commitment to his family, the community and his clients. This is an absolute shock. May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. Rest in peace, my friend," wrote Betty Anne Murphy.

Added Scoutmaster Allen Schneider, a dear friend, "I will continue to walk in his footsteps and make him proud."

A full tribute to his rich life will follow.

Patch courtesy photo.