Retired Lt. Colonel Dennis Francis Buckley, age 82, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026. He died peacefully and was quickly surrounded by his family and beloved pets. It was the way he hoped he would pass.
Dennis was the son of the late Ambrose and Margaret Buckley of Cohasset, Massachusetts. He graduated from Cohasset High School in 1962.
Dennis joined the Army in November 1965. He graduated as a WO-1 from Army Warrant Officer Helicopter Flight School in September 1966 and began his service with the 170th Aviation Company in Vietnam. He later served as an Instrument Instructor at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, where he married Susan and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant; their first daughter, Stacie, was born there in 1970.
Following fixed-wing training in Georgia and Alabama and a second Vietnam tour, Dennis was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where their second daughter, Jodie, was born in 1973. He continued his professional development through advanced military courses and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from William Carey College (University). A Master Aviator, he received numerous honors for his service, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 70 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
Dennis went on to serve in a variety of leadership and staff roles, including assignments at Fort Hood, Fort Eustis, Fort Lee, and in Alexandria, Virginia, concluding his distinguished career as Deputy Director of the Human Engineering Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. He retired after 26 years of honorable service.
Following his military career, Dennis began a second career in property management, where he found great enjoyment working with clients and fellow military families on their rental investments. He became one of the top property managers on the Peninsula, earning Property Manager of the Year honors for several consecutive years. He was known for his strong work ethic, distinctive style, and creative marketing approach. In 2022, he stepped away from his career to enjoy time by his pool and with his family.
Dennis was also a devoted dog lover. His two Yorkies, Lillie and Gizmo, were his beloved companions, and he delighted in spending time with his “grand-dogs”—Chevy, Ford, Dottie, Mabel, and Ginger the guinea pig—especially during their weekend visits.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Susan Lynn Buckley; their two children, Stacie Masten (husband Jim) and Jodie Ingram (husband Jason), and grandchild, Olivia Ingram.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 29, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 30, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church. Burial at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Dennis requested donations to be made in his memory to:
Peninsula SPCA
523 J Clyde Morris Blvd
Newport News, VA 23601