Francis Timothy Buckley, Jr.

Francis (Frank) Timothy Buckley, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 87. He lived a life defined by intellect, integrity, hard work, kindness and devotion to family.

Frank shared a loving marriage of 66 years with his wife, Emily Susan Buckley, whose partnership and companionship were the cornerstone of his life. Together they built a family grounded in warmth, humor, work ethic and mutual respect. He was the proud father of Tammy Buckley Smith (Ralph), Frank Buckley (Susie), Theresa Buckley, and Donna Buckley (Shelly), and the adoring grandfather of Ariana Cornwell (Cori), Kevin Smith, Frankie Buckley, Rayne Smith, Bryan Smith, Jack Grebenchenko, and McKayla Burton-Buckley as well as great grandfather to Mina Cornwell.

In his earlier years, Frank enjoyed flying airplanes, playing softball, golf, and tennis, embracing adventure, competition and camaraderie. He found his greatest joy in moments with family in Maryland, days filled with sailing, steaming freshly caught crabs, laughter, and the quiet, simple pleasures of life near Solomon’s Island. He lived by a simple principle: to leave every place - and every person - better than he found them.

A lifelong scholar and teacher, Frank earned his education at the Polytechnic Institute of Baltimore and went on to become a respected Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland and founder of Frank T. Buckley & Associates consulting business. He trained automobile and truck companies around the world on his method of testing and optimizing vehicle aerodynamics.

His dedication to education inspired countless students over the decades, and Frank remained an engineer at heart - always tinkering, questioning, and exploring. Yet those who knew him best remember him just as much for his humility and kindness as for his intellect.

He will be remembered for his steadfast character, his gentle humor, and his unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the countless ways he touched and shaped the lives of those around him.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at The Lyceum at the Sandy Spring Meeting House at 17715 Meeting House Road, Sandy Spring, MD, 20860.

In honor of Frank and his compassion for others, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. If interested, please click here to donate. Thank you.