Obituary of John D. Tucci

John D. Tucci passed away in his home in The Villages, FL on December 21, 2020, with his wife by his side, after courageously battling cancer for 9 years.  John was born in the Wilson neighborhood of Clairton, PA on June 23, 1936.  After graduating from Clairton High School as a three-sport star, he attended Carnegie Tech and continued his athletic career in football and basketball.  At quarterback, he led the Tartans and received the Dapper Dan Award as the small-college player of the year in 1958.  He married his high school sweetheart, Claire (nee Benedetto) in 1958 and started a 40-year career as an executive in the Steel and Wire Industry with J&L Steel, Copperweld and Indiana Steel and Wire.  He retired and moved to The Villages in 1998.

John was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.  He was completely dedicated to his family and was a true role model for his three sons.  Affectionately known as “Pap” by his grandchildren; he was a special, precious source of family pride to all of them.  They were the light of his life. 

John was preceded in death by his father John A. Tucci and his mother Sara (nee Valerio).  He is survived by his wife Claire, his sons John (Melinda) of Naperville, IL, Michael (Michelle) of Louisville, KY and Joseph of Fort Walton Beach, FL; grandchildren David (Monika), Adam (Natalie), Father Matthew, Alan (Tiffany), Leanna (Paul), Elizabeth (Andrew), 5 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their children.

Funeral services are pending through Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the V Foundation for Cancer Research.