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Joseph V. Buckley, a native of County Kerry and a prominent member of the Irish American community on Long Island, died recently aged 72.
Buckley, born in Moyvane, was a well known bar and restaurant owner. He died peacefully after a short illness.
Buckley was the youngest of 11 brothers and sisters. He was father to Kelly, Michael, Sean, Ryan and a grandfather to Jack and Rylin.
He was the former owner The Jolly Tinker in Rockville Centre, Katie Daly's Restaurant in Massapequa and was at the time of his death the owner of Molly Malone's Restaurant in Bayshore.
In 1980, Buckley was named St. Rose of Lima Man of the Year. In 1987 he was Nassau County Police Emerald Society Irishman of the Year. In 1990 he was Grand Council of United Emerald Societies Man of the Year and in 1993 he was Grand Marshal of Glen Cove St. Patrick's Day Parade.
In 1979, Joe organized the first "Irish Open Golf Tournament" which over the years benefited the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, St. Mary of the Angels Home, St. Rose of Lima School, and the Holy Ghost Fathers of Dublin and many more worthy causes.
Throughout the years he was a member of the following: Founding Charter Member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Long Island Chapter, Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Chamber of Commerce, Hempstead Bay Power Squadron (honorary), Nassau County Restaurant Association and Nassau Shores Civic Association.
Joe Buckley first landed in New York in 1963. He loved going home to Ireland every September. He would attend the Listowel Races and the All Ireland Gaelic Football Final. Not surprisingly, he was a passionate fan of the Kerry Football Team and at every opportunity he would proudly tell people that he was from the Kingdom, the Kingdom of Kerry.
"He was more to people than just a business owner. He made people feel that they were part of his family and in turn people opened their hearts to him as well. He'd want to know about your kids and how your vacation was and how things were in your everyday life. He was so good at what he did because he genuinely loved it and got great joy from it," said his family.
