Grayslake man died doing what he loved

As a big sports fan and family man, it was common to see Martin J. Buckley Sr. running as the trailer for the St. Gilbert Catholic School cross-country team.

"The kids were always amazed by him - `Mr. Buckley is doing all our routes,'" said Kristine, his wife of 21 years. Knocking out a 7-mile run also was routine for the Grayslake resident, an avid long-distance runner, who had competed in more than 20 marathons, including the Chicago Marathon.

Buckley, 63, died Sunday during a recreational run. The sudden loss rippled through the Lambs Farm community, where he had worked for 15 years, and at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, where he was a lector and Eucharistic minister.

"It's such a shock. He was a wonderful guy no question about that," said Dianne Yaconetti, president and CEO of Lambs Farm, which serves adults with developmental disabilities. It was Buckley's last stop in a 40-year career in human services.

He started at Lambs Farm in 2001 as director of vocational services and was promoted the next year to director of programs, interacting with many of the roughly 200 individuals on campus, in the community or who visited for day services, Yaconetti said.

"His responsibilities really touched the heart of what Lambs Farm is about," she added. "They'll miss him a lot."

She also recalled Buckley as "probably one of the most dedicated family men I've ever come in contact with."

Attending their kids' sporting and other events was a passion, Kristine said. The couple met at NorthPointe Resources in Zion.

"He was just a very outgoing person, very open. He could recognize the good in people," she said.

Buckley was born in South suburban Evergreen Park and moved to Northwest suburban Park Ridge at a young age, but the Chicago White Sox remained a lifelong love.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three children, eight brothers and sisters and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Symonds Lakes Funeral Home, 111 W. Belvidere Road, Grayslake. On Friday, visitation will start at 10 a.m. at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, followed at 11 a.m. by a funeral Mass. Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made in care of Lambs Farm, Attn: Development Department, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, 60048. Call (847) 543-1080 for details.