Anthony J. Tucci Sr.

Anthony J. "Tucker" Tucci, 95

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church for Anthony J. "Tucker" Tucci, 95, who died early Tuesday morning, Feb. 14.
He was the son of Pasquale and Josephine Rinaldi Tucci. Tony was born May 21, 1916, in the Smokey Hollow section of Youngstown, where he lived the first 30 years of his life.
He attended Wood Street School, graduated in June of 1935 from The Rayen School, and attended Youngstown College, working afterwards at the family grocery store, known as "The Tucci Grocery" from 1929 to 1942.
Tony served two years as president of the Home and School Association and also president of the Men's Club at the old St. Joseph Church on Wick and Rayen Avenues, where he served as chief usher for five years.
He joined the Army in May of 1943, attaining the rank of corporal, and was assigned the European Theater of Operation. After advanced combat training in England, he was shipped to France to join the 9th Division 47th Infantry. Soon after, he was in the Battle of the Bulge, then honored by the French Republic, naming him a diplomat. He was at the Remagan Bridgehead and was among the first to cross the Rhine River. Previously wounded, among his decorations, he received a Presidential Unit Citation Infantry Combat Badge, a Bronze Star Medal for bravery, a Purple Heart and some minor honors. Tony was discharged in August of 1945.
The late Mayor of Youngstown, Charles P. Henderson, appointed Tony as Superintendent of Veterans' Housing, a position he held for six years, until December of 1953. He had an insurance debit on the Eastside for the John Hancock Insurance Co. for eight years. In 1962, he was appointed as Examiner by the State Highway for nine years. In 1964, Tony joined the JCC Health Club and had been a member ever since. He joined ITAM No. 3 in February of 1948, then was elected post commander in 1949, 1950, and 1951.
When he was elected State Commander in 1952 to 1953, he doubled the number of posts in the state of Ohio, became National Commander in 1954, also, at present, was the Dean of the past National Commanders, 30 years.
In 1955, the National Dept. of ITAMS, named him Mr. ITAM. He was the Master of Ceremony at the Smokey Hollow Memorial Day Observation at the Smokey Hollow Monuments from 1962 to 1992. He served as toastmaster of Golden Eagles Annual Banquets for 30 years. In 1983, he received a plaque naming him as Post Master Emeritus.
He was chairman of the board of the Torch Commission, the National paper of the ITAMS, for 10 consecutive years, and was a member of the National Executive Committee since 1949.
He served as president of St. Anthony's Senior Citizen Club for 15 years. He was a life member of the 47th Infantry Association. Also a life member of AMVETS Post 44 since 1965, and life member of National Blind Vets Association, and a member of the Youngstown Support Group of the Blind Veterans. He had been legally blind since November of 1995. Tony was Chairman of the Greater Columbus Day Committee in 1989, 1990 and 1991, and shared the Italian Columbus Day Man of the Year Award with Monsignor Michael Cariglio, pastor of Mt. Carmel Church in Youngstown.
He is survived by a son, Anthony (Suzanne) Tucci of Poland Township; a daughter, Joann (James) Supko of Richmond, Va.; a son, Pat (Debbie) Tucci of Hubbard; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, the former Josephine Jacon, whom he married Feb. 25, 1946, and died Sept. 7, 2002; two sisters, Lucy Tucci and Katie Cellines; and four brothers, Dan, N. James, Michael and Peter.
Tony enjoyed swimming, dancing, golfing and fishing.
Family and friends may call Sunday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Schiavone Funeral Home.
The Tucci family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Park Vista for their excellent care and friendship, and also to Senior Independence Hospice.
Entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
The funeral will start at the church on Monday.

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