Obituaries

Gerald Ray Buckley, 71, of Danville, PA, passed away peacefully at his farm on June 6, 2025. He was born on November 3, 1953, in Danville, PA, the son of the late Gerald C. and Mary Ruth Girton Buckley.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Susan L. Smull Buckley. They were married on May 14, 1977.

Jerry loved scouting and attended Camp Lavigne for many years, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout of which he was very proud. He graduated from Danville High School in 1971. He then graduated from Williamsport Area Community College with an associate’s degree in service and operation of heavy equipment.

Jerry was employed as a chemical operator at Merck and Company for 34 years, from where he retired. In addition, Jerry worked as a county Inspector of Weights and Measures and protected the consumers of Sullivan and Montour Counties for many decades. He felt strongly that people should get what they pay for.

He loved firefighting and served the community as a volunteer firefighter for 50 years. He was a member of the Danville Mahoning Lodge #224, the Washies Fire and Hose Company, Continental Fire Company, served on the Fire Board, Danville Moose and recently attained 50 years as an Elks member.

Jerry grew up on his family’s farm and loved driving tractors. He fulfilled his dream of owning the farm where he grew crops, had livestock for many years and raised his family. He was an avid hunter and loved hunting with his Dad and uncles.

He enjoyed traveling in his motorhome, cruising on Royal Caribbean cruises and playing Blackjack and Three Card Poker. In his retirement he volunteered with co-worker friends at Camp Lavigne.

He will be remembered by his daughters for being a supportive and hardworking man in all that he did. Katie was honored to work alongside him farming and doing weights and measures. Spending quality time with his family was his greatest enjoyment of all. His kindness, humor, generosity and unwavering integrity will forever be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two daughters: Christine E. Buckley and her fiancé Hunter Bevis of Pasadena, Maryland and Katie L. Bogart of Watsontown; two grandsons; Benjamin Bogart and Hunter Bevis, Jr.; all of whom he adored. Also surviving is his sister, Ann L. Calinski and her husband Peter of Tennessee.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Jerry’s Life which will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Visneski Funeral Home, Inc. 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA with Linda L. Wagner as celebrant. Friends will be received from 9:30 – 10:45 AM.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Danville High School Fire Club ATTN: Devon Francke c/o Danville High School 733 Ironman Lane Danville PA 17821.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821. www.visneski.com.