Lawrence A. Buckley

Mr. Lawrence A. Buckley, a former longtime Waltham resident, died Monday, December 27, 2021 in HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, Rhode Island. He was 84.

Lawrence was born on April 2, 1937, in Newton, the first son of the late Andrew and Helen (Moroney) Buckley. He married Dorothy Burns on November 25, 1961.

He served honorably as a radar man in the United States Navy, and often recounted his adventures in Greece, Italy, and the Arctic Circle. After his naval service, Larry briefly attended Babson Institute to study business before joining the civil service, working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Division of Employment Security for the next 26 years.

By night, Larry was a popular entertainer, singing and playing piano at dozens of clubs, restaurants, and function halls across Eastern Massachusetts, including a stint at Charlestown's Alibi Lounge, and the U City, in Cambridge, where he befriended some of Boston's most famous (and infamous) characters. He played with jazz trios and quartets regularly, a fixture for many years at the Fairway Restaurant in Concord, and the Maridor Restaurant in Framingham. On Saturdays in the 1980s, Larry could be found behind the white baby grand at fashion designer Yolanda's salon, on Waverly Oaks Road. Larry and Dorothy were longtime Waltham residents, active in in community and local politics.

Upon retiring from the state, Larry turned full-time to music, adding teaching duties to his schedule and giving lessons to hundreds of children and adults in Waltham, Weston, and Newton. In 2017, after living near his family in Wellesley for several years, Larry moved to Rhode Island to live with his daughter-in-law, Laura, and son Larry Jr. ("Andy").

He leaves his son, Lawrence 'Andy' Buckley, Jr., his daughter-in-law, Laura Winig of Riverside, Rhode Island; grandchildren, Catherine D. Werner of Chicago, Mae W. Buckley and Tess W. Buckley, sister-in-law Mary Carol Regan, brother-in-law Barry Burns, longtime family friend Marcelino Correa of Fitchburg, along with an extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Dorothy, his son Sean Charles Buckley, and his brother James T. Buckley.

Given the current pandemic, plans are underway to organize a celebration of Larry's life once people are able to safely gather again. A private calling hour will be held in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, January 4th at 10 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Jude's Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Those wishing to view the livestream and recording of Larry's funeral Mass may do so via this link: https://my.gather.app/remember/lawrence-buckley

The family is grateful for the many condolences that have already been expressed and wish more than anything for people to prioritize their health and safety. We know that our friends and family would gladly gather with us, if asked, but prefer that everyone safeguard their health until we can properly meet-up and celebrate Larry's life. There will not be a gathering after the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to The Miriam Hospital (giving.lifespan.org) which provided exceptional care to Larry during his final days. A website featuring Larry's memories and music can be found at www.lawrencebuckley.com People are encourage to share their stories, thoughts, and memories there as well.