Raymond K. Buckley's Obituary
Raymond "Ray" Buckley was born on October 28, 1945, in Leyton, London, England, to Alf and Marge Buckley. He was raised in humble East End surroundings alongside four brothers and two sisters. He passed away on June 18, 2026, in Florida, USA.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Trish; his son, Graeme; daughter-in-law, Bev; grandsons, Ben and Sam; and his siblings, Maureen, Marge, David, Tony, and Trevor. He was preceded in death by his brother, John.
Ray attended Norlington School for Boys in London, where he developed a passion for boxing. As a boy and young man, he trained at the Buxton Club above the Buxton Arms, enjoying considerable success through the physical strength, dedication, determination, and drive that would characterize him throughout his life. He would often bring home prizes from boxing matches, sometimes in the form of food, lamps, and other useful items that helped support the family during those early years.
After completing an apprenticeship, Ray became a bespoke tailor and practiced his trade in London, Jersey, Andover, and Porthcawl before moving to the United States. He owned and operated successful menswear stores in both Porthcawl, Wales, and Boston, Massachusetts. Wherever he went, Ray was invariably the best-dressed man in the room. Impeccably turned out in one of his own beautifully tailored suits, with a cigar in hand and a smile on his face, Ray could easily have been mistaken for an East End gangster. Fortunately, beneath the tough exterior was a man of immense warmth, generosity, and loyalty.
Above all else, Ray was devoted to Trish, his wife of 55 years and his best friend. He doted on his son, Graeme, and his birth was one of his proudest moments. He was immensely proud of Graeme and the life he built.
To all who knew him, Ray was a larger-than-life character who could strike up a conversation and tell a story to anyone. Despite his deep East London accent and tough exterior, he possessed a remarkable sense of humor and a heart overflowing with love for his family and friends. He made lasting friendships everywhere he lived. Generous beyond measure, he would quite literally give you the shirt off his back. He also had a few memorable calamities along the way, which those close to him will recall with both laughter and affection. Some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by friends, sharing a bottle of wine, cooking legendary barbecues, and enjoying the occasional cigar while putting the world to rights. He often used traditional Cockney sayings and phrases that brought humour and character to every conversation, including his favourite way of asking for tea—“a cup of the old Rosie” (Rosie Lee for tea). Those who knew him will forever remember his distinctive voice and way of speaking.
An adventurer at heart, Ray was never afraid to take a chance. Together with his wife and best friend, Trish, he built a life that took them from London to Hampshire, then Wales, and later across the Atlantic to Iowa and Boston before they retired in Dunedin, Florida, where he enjoyed fishing and boating.
Ray adored his grandchildren and was immensely proud of Ben and Sam. As a grandfather, he filled their lives with happiness, love, laughter, and memories they will carry with them forever, including many happy games of Yahtzee together, often running around the room before attempting to throw a “Yahtzee” with great excitement.
Ray was a true geezer—an East End boy who went out into the world and left his mark on it and on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Rest peacefully Ray, you'll be in our hearts forever, always loved and remembered.
Private services will be held on June 27th and will be livestreamed, a link can be provided by the family upon request.
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