Ryan Michael Buckley, 41, Former HHS Football Captain

Ryan Michael Buckley, 41, of the Bradford section of Haverhill passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 18.

Born in Haverhill, he was the son of Kevin M. Buckley and the late, Patricia A. (O’Brien) Buckley. He attended Haverhill public schools and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, class of 1992. He then attended and earned his bachelor’s degree from Framingham State College. An exceptional athlete and passionate about the game of football, Ryan excelled as a football player and was respected by his coaches and fellow teammates. He was captain of the Haverhill High football team and also the Framingham State Football team. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching the Red Sox and was a big fan of the Miami Dolphins.

For many years, Buckley was employed as a counselor, working in group homes for individuals with special needs, throughout the Merrimack Valley. As in his professional and personal life, Ryan cared for people. He had a huge heart and a great sense of humor. He loved family gatherings and cherished the memories of road trips to the casinos with his late mother.

He is survived by his father, Kevin M. Buckley, of Bradford; a brother, Regan M. Buckley and his wife, Jessica, of Windham, N.H.; two sisters, Kerry L. Buckley and her significant other, James Jardine, of Andover, and Meaghan J. Buckley, of Bradford; nieces and nephews, Dylan Field, Brooklyn Buckley, Tyson Buckley, Ainsley Napolitano, Sean Napolitano and Tamara and Jaden Jardine; aunts, Joanne Archambault and Linda O’Brien; and uncle, Bill O’Brien. He also leaves longtime companion, Melissa Harris, and cousins.

Friends and family are respectfully invited to call on Sunday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. Funeral services and burial are private. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of One’s choice.