Michael Philip Buckley

Mr. Michael Philip Buckley, age 97, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice surrounded by his loving wife Margaret and family. He was born August 21, 1911 in Grand Rapids, MI to Philip W. and Elizabeth (Doran) Buckley the eldest of nine children, and lived most of his life in the Muskegon area. On September 22, 1938, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Margaret M. Benedict, in Muskegon and she survives him. He worked over 30 years as a Price Administration Chief for Teledyne Continental Motors and retired in 1973. After retirement, he worked an additional 12 years as an Accountant for Nutritional Services for Older Americans. Philip was a devoted Catholic and strong supporter of Catholic education and athletics. He held the same season tickets for Kehren Stadium on the 50-yard line since the high school was founded - more than 50 years ago. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Distributor and Lector. Philip was a life member in the 4th Degree of Knights of Columbus Council 706 where he served as Past Grand Knight and District Deputy. Philip was also a life member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge #274, Past President of the Irish American Society and Past President of the Greater Muskegon Serra Club. SURVIVORS include his wife of nearly 70 years, Margaret Buckley of Norton Shores; 3 children, Michael (Ene) Buckley II of Culpeper, VA, Patricia Buckley of Norton Shores, Thomas (Kay) Buckley of Pinehurst, NC; 2 grandchildren, Bryan and Kevin Buckley; 1 sister-in-law, Monica Buckley; 1 brother-in-law, Alfred J. Perri; and a cousin, Marlene (Leo) Kuhn. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 sisters, Elizabeth Buckley, Mary Ellen "Molly" Buckley, Alice Perri, Bernardine Carlson, Dorothea Perri, Helen Perri; and 2 brothers, William Buckley and Patrick J. Buckley. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Thomas P. Page as celebrant. INTERMENT will take place at St. Marys Cemetery. VISITATION with Philip's family will be 5-8 PM Tuesday at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM Tuesday evening. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to the Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation or Harbor Hospice.