Drexel University Athletics
Drexel Athletics Mourns the Passing of Bob Buckley '58
2/18/2026 2:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Field Hockey, Drexel Athletics
Drexel Athletics is mourning the passing of longtime University trustee, benefactor and Athletics Hall of Famer Bob Buckley '58. Among the most accomplished student-athletes in Drexel history, Buckley was a three-sport standout for the Dragons.
As an undergraduate, Mr. Buckley excelled in basketball, baseball and football, earning induction into the Drexel Athletics Hall of Fame in 1973. Best known for his play on the hardwood, he concluded his career as the Dragons all-time leading scorer and ranked second in career rebounds. His teams captured three straight Middle Atlantic Conference titles. As a senior in 1957, he captained the team, helping Drexel earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
"Bob's legacy as a student-athlete and ambassador for Drexel Athletics is truly extraordinary," said Drexel Vice President, Director of Athletics & Recreation Maisha Kelly. "As a three-sport standout whose achievements helped shape the history of our programs, and as a trustee and benefactor whose passion strengthened our facilities and enriched the experience of countless Dragons, his impact will be felt for generations. We mourn his passing with heavy hearts. Drexel extends its deepest condolences to his wife Marlene and their family."
After graduating from Drexel in 1958 with a degree in Civil Engineering, he went on to serve as chairman and president of Buckley & Company, Inc., his family-owned construction firm founded in 1928. Never far from University City, Mr. Buckley spent over three decades as a member of the University's Board of Trustees.
Over the years, his spirited and passionate support of the Dragons never waned. Mr. Buckley and his wife, Marlene, played a major role in the upgrade of Drexel's Athletic facilities at the Vidas Athletic Complex and the Daskalakis Athletic Center (DAC). Notably, Buckley Field, which serves as home of Drexel Field Hockey bears his name, the training room in the Friel Fieldhouse is named in honor of Mr. Buckley's grandson, and the Buckley Plaza welcomes visitors to the DAC. He also supported numerous other athletics initiatives.
Mr. Buckley also championed increasing the accessibility of training and recreational athletic space in the center of campus, as the Recreation Field and Buckley Bubble (now relocated to the Vidas Complex); the Buckley Green, which includes sand beach volleyball courts; and the Buckley Tennis Courts; also are named in his honor.
In addition to his athletic recognition, Mr. Buckley was the recipient of the A.J. Drexel Paul Award, the College of Engineering Alumni Achievement Award, the Drexel 100, and the College of Engineering Alumni Circle of Distinction.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20 at Toppitzer Funeral Home at Arlington Cemetery, 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 21 at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Charch, 104 Louella Ave, Wayne, Pa.
As an undergraduate, Mr. Buckley excelled in basketball, baseball and football, earning induction into the Drexel Athletics Hall of Fame in 1973. Best known for his play on the hardwood, he concluded his career as the Dragons all-time leading scorer and ranked second in career rebounds. His teams captured three straight Middle Atlantic Conference titles. As a senior in 1957, he captained the team, helping Drexel earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
"Bob's legacy as a student-athlete and ambassador for Drexel Athletics is truly extraordinary," said Drexel Vice President, Director of Athletics & Recreation Maisha Kelly. "As a three-sport standout whose achievements helped shape the history of our programs, and as a trustee and benefactor whose passion strengthened our facilities and enriched the experience of countless Dragons, his impact will be felt for generations. We mourn his passing with heavy hearts. Drexel extends its deepest condolences to his wife Marlene and their family."
After graduating from Drexel in 1958 with a degree in Civil Engineering, he went on to serve as chairman and president of Buckley & Company, Inc., his family-owned construction firm founded in 1928. Never far from University City, Mr. Buckley spent over three decades as a member of the University's Board of Trustees.
Over the years, his spirited and passionate support of the Dragons never waned. Mr. Buckley and his wife, Marlene, played a major role in the upgrade of Drexel's Athletic facilities at the Vidas Athletic Complex and the Daskalakis Athletic Center (DAC). Notably, Buckley Field, which serves as home of Drexel Field Hockey bears his name, the training room in the Friel Fieldhouse is named in honor of Mr. Buckley's grandson, and the Buckley Plaza welcomes visitors to the DAC. He also supported numerous other athletics initiatives.
Mr. Buckley also championed increasing the accessibility of training and recreational athletic space in the center of campus, as the Recreation Field and Buckley Bubble (now relocated to the Vidas Complex); the Buckley Green, which includes sand beach volleyball courts; and the Buckley Tennis Courts; also are named in his honor.
In addition to his athletic recognition, Mr. Buckley was the recipient of the A.J. Drexel Paul Award, the College of Engineering Alumni Achievement Award, the Drexel 100, and the College of Engineering Alumni Circle of Distinction.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20 at Toppitzer Funeral Home at Arlington Cemetery, 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 21 at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Charch, 104 Louella Ave, Wayne, Pa.
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