Robert W. Buckner

On 13 June 2017, Robert W. Buckner passed away from complications caused by pneumonia. Bob was born on 28 January 1935 to Lawrence and Elizabeth Buckner of the Bronx, New York. Bob graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1952 and went on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. While at West Point he met the love of his life, JoAnn Paradiso… they married after his graduation in 1957 (go Army beat Navy). After serving in the military, Bob returned to “da Bronx” and attended Columbia University and became a Physical Education instructor. He taught at his Alma Mater, DeWitt Clinton, for 35 years. He loved his job and those he worked with. Bob especially loved the time when he was coaching. During his time at DeWitt Clinton, he was the head coach for the Clinton basketball team and assistant coach for the football team. After a successful run with high school basketball and football, he went on to coach basketball at Manhattan College. Bob and JoAnn raised four children in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. He switched to coaching female sports at Hastings High School when his daughter, Barbara, was a member of the basketball team. Bob and his family shared many summers together at Coventry Lake in Connecticut, always hosting extended family and friends, leaving us with many special memories.
In retirement, Bob enjoyed summers in the mountains of Blowing Rock, North Carolina and winters in sunny Vero Beach, Florida. Bob is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, JoAnn, and his eldest son Richard. He is survived by his children Barbara, Ted, Robert, and their families as well as Richard’s wife, Apiwan, and her family, and Bob’s brothers, Richard and Roy, and their families.
A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG), United States Military Academy at 1698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996 in memory of Robert W. Buckner, USMA Class of 1957.