John Lewis Buckalew IV — loving son, devoted brother, and caring friend — passed away on April 13th, 2022 after a long and difficult battle with mental illness and addiction. Born on July 5th, 1987, John is survived by his parents, Jay and Donna Buckalew, sister Dana Ferry and brother-in-law Dennis Ferry. He is predeceased in death by his grandparents John and Eileen Sassa, John and Mary Buckalew, and his Uncle Joe Buckalew.
John was a graduate of Downingtown West High School. He also attended Delaware County Community College. He was an engaging, athletic, kind person and at times a rebellious class clown. He found a love for basketball and football early on in life. He also had a passion for sneakers and candy. John enjoyed cooking, helping others, and making people smile. John was a hard worker. John recently acquired his own gutter cleaning business. Those fortunate enough to know John recognized his kind heart, his intelligence, infectious laugh and great sense of humor. He touched the life of every person he met.
Unfortunately, a man with both passion and an intense sense of empathy, John was also subjected to various internal struggles which he battled insidiously for many years. John never wanted to be defined by his past because he was so much more than that.
John meant more to his family and friends than he ever understood. He was loved by many who will continue to cherish the time and memories they shared with him.
John’s funeral will be held as we celebrate his short but beautiful life. Visitation will be on Saturday, April 23 from 9:00 am - 10:15 am followed by a prayer service at 10:30 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 410 North Church St - West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com Interment will be private.
As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in John’s name to Mental Health First Aid c/o WCU Foundation. https://www.wcufoundation.org/tribute-gifts/ and/or Kacie’s Cause PO BOX 333, Kennett Square PA 19348 https://www.kaciescause.org/support-us-donate John would be honored that we are helping others as he had always tried to do.
If you or someone you love is suffering with mental health crisis or substance abuse disorder, please call the 24-hour Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders and crisis.