Michael C. Fucci – 68 – of 159 Seneca St., Hornell, died Wednesday evening (February 8, 2012) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a courageous battle with cancer.
A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born November 29, 1943, and was the son of Anthony & Mary (Caruso) Fucci.
Mike grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (class of 1962). He later attended Alfred State College where he was a “Member in Good Standing” of the Gamma Theta Gamma Fraternity. For nearly 20 years, Mike served in the US Army Reserves.
He was employed for nearly 40 years in the engineering department of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), retiring 9 years ago. Mike was also a life-long, self-taught carpenter, craftsman & cabinet maker who always had a “side job” remodeling or repairing homes throughout the community. He was co-owner & “Founding Father” of Omar’s Rent-A-Tent in Hornell. Since February, 1986 (26 years) he has served as Commissioner of Public Works in Hornell.
Mike was a Member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was also an active participant of the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration.
As an avid sportsman, Mike loved playing golf and thoroughly enjoyed his weekly golf outings with his retired golf buddies. He was a member of Twin Hickory Golf Club where he had the distinction of once having a hole-in-one. He was a long-time Buffalo Bills Fan and a season ticket holder for many years and a member of the Buffalo Bills Blue Coats for 8 years. He also enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees.
Mike was a 4th Degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus where he served several terms as Grand Knight. He was active in the day-to-day operation of the club and donated countless hours doing carpentry & remodeling work for the organization. He was instrumental in building the beautiful front bar & reception room at the K of C and throughout the years did most of the repair & up-keep work that was needed.
For well over 30 years, Mike was a member of the K of C Sports Night Committee and served as chairman for over 20 years, raising countless dollars for Special Olympics and other Youth Activities in the area. He served an active role in the operation of the Knights of Columbus Brother’s Club and spearheaded many fundraisers by selling tickets and donating his time in any capacity that was needed. Mike Fucci made the Knights of Columbus what it is today!! He had also been a member of the Hornell American Legion for many years.
He was extremely “community minded” and was always ready to lend a “helping hand” to anyone in need. Mike was a very determined & strong-willed man who expected others to “give it their best”, also. He was a selfless man who always put others needs before his own. He lived by the motto — Family, God & Community!!
Losing his father at an early age, (Mike was only 9 years old) he quickly became the “Man of the House” and became a father figure to his brother, sisters & cousins. This is probably where Mike developed his strong work ethic and even stronger character. He always had a boundless love & devotion for his family especially his wife, children, parents, brother, sisters and in recent years, his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a fun-loving guy with a heart of gold. To know Mike Fucci was to love him. He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the fortune of knowing him.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Anthony; his sister, Clara Fucci; and his beloved dog, Thurman.
He was married on April 22, 1967 to the former Linda LaVerde who survives. Also surviving are his son, Tony (Vicki) Fucci of Arkport; his daughter, Lisa (Aaron) Smith of Hornell; his mother, Mary Fucci of Hornell; 1 brother, Leonard (Diane) Fucci of Hornell; 3 sisters, Amelia Dempsey of Hamburg, NY, Margie (Jim) Blowers of Swain and Maria Ormsby of Brick, NJ; 3 grandchildren, Dominic Fucci, Olivia Fucci and Blake Smith; several nieces, nephews & cousins.
The family of Michael C. Fucci will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM and on Monday from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Mike’s family respectfully request that instead of sending flowers, family & friends consider making a donation in his name to either the Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge Hospitality House, 1220 South Goodman St., Rochester, NY 14620 or to the K of C Sports for Special Olympics, PO Box 45, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In Honor of Mike serving in the US Army Reserves, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
It was an honor to know Mike. He will always be remembered for his big heart, and all the people he has helped over the years. He devoted so much time and effort to other people, often people he never knew. He was devoted to his family, devoted to his community, and devoted to his faith. He will be an inspiration for many years to come.
I am saddened of the news of Mike Fucci’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of the friends Mike made. He was truly a GREAT human being and will be missed.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike for over 30 years, since my
days working at the KofC. To everyone in Mike’s family: Please accept
my condolences. His raspy voice and constant smile will forever be remembered. I can honestly say that I am a better person for having
known Mike Fucci. God Rest Mike.
Dear Linda and Family:
I am so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. I am sure that you are/will be be inundated with the many tales of his tremendous “quiet” generosity. I add my own in recalling the time and craftsmanship which he freely extended while installing a “walk in shower” for my mother. The attention to detail allowed her to remain independent for a much longer period of time.
I personally don’t have a single memory of him that does not include a combination of a warm hug, his great smile and most of all that wonderful deep laugh!
One has to believe that the Hornell section of Eternity is extremely well “soundproofed” (or perhaps he already has been called on to make a few repairs???) as his dad, sister “Thurman” and so many friends welcomed him home.
May the joy he brought to so many people serve as the strength you need during this sad time. I am confident that he will indeed “rest in peace.”
With sympathy,prayers and great memories,
Catherine (Cath) Hogan
Mike was a wonderful guy, a great help with soils related tasks at the DOT and a good friend. I always looked forward to seeing him when I traveled to Hornell. Although I haven’t seen him in many years now, but notice of his passing hit me hard. I’ll miss him. My sympathies go out to his family.
Mike was best Man at my wedding and a wonderful person his entire life. My sympathies to Linda and his entire family. I know they are all suffering by his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He set an example for the rest of us and deserves a special place in all our hearts!
I was very saddened and shocked to hear of Michaels passing.As I was growing up many happy hours were spent in Hornell with the Fucci,Caruso,Marendo,Rose families.Michael was my “Big Cousin” who we always looked up to.He was there for everybody especially if you were lucky enough to be family.I am proud to be his cousin and honored to be part of the family.My codolence to Linda and the family.Rest in peace Mike.
Frank & Geraldine Bondi-Collingwood Canada.
Linda and family
I’m sorry for your loss. I can not put into words how sad I was to hear of Mike’s passing. I will miss him a great deal. Mike has been a great friend of our entire family.
Kevin Hogan
We are so very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and always had a smile for everyone. He will truly be missed.
Mike and I worked together for years, played golf together, I cannot say enough about what a true friend he was..To You Linda and your family, we are so sorry for your loss.Mike will be sadly missed..God Bless you
I was saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. He always had a smile for everyone and a genuine interest in all who knew him. He was a great person and I feel honored to have known him. My condolences to you, Linda, and the family.
Deanna and I are very sad to hear this news. Mike was good friend at DOT, and a steady and great coworker as well. He always had a good word and maybe a bit of advice delivered with his great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed in the Hornell community.
Linda, Tony, Lisa, and family – I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. Mike was an amazing guy, always so friendly and with smile on his face. I would always see him at church, volunteering his time. I also always remember him at the golf course – having chats with him and seeing him drive his Buffalo Bills cart. He will be missed so much! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda, God blessed you with a kind,generous, loving man who just also happened to be one hell of a good dancer. His smile and laugh were infectious and he brought joy to all who knew him.
Mike is with Our Heavenly Father now, watching over you and the children. As we Lokata believe, he has stepped into the stream of eternal life.
You are in my prayers…wish I lived closer so I could attend the Memorial.
You might not be around to write E-mails anymore to us, but you have left a ton of good memories that Rosie and I still talk about. To all you family and friends we say that we are sorry.
Linda,
I can not even express how sad I am for you and your beautiful family. I have so many wonderful memories of Mike……….he and my Dad were very good friends. After my Dad died he helped my Mom with little side jobs at her home. Such a wonderful caring man.
I will truly miss seeing him and hearing his voice and laugh………..
He absolutely is one of Hornell’s Finest !! An honorable man…………
Love to you and your family,
Reg
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. I have a lot of fond memories of him at the K of C. Hornell has lost a great man.
Dear Linda, Tony, Lisa and family,
I am at a loss of words and so very heavy hearted to hear such sad news. I am so very sorry for your loss. Such fond, wonderful memories I have and will cherish. Hornell has lost a wonderful, kind, funny and loving man. I am honored to have known him and all of you.
Much love and prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
Dear Linda and Family,
We are so sorry. We have many fond memories of Mike, always happy and fun to be around. May God bless you all.
To all of Mike’s family, peace be with You, all. I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. We spent many years together in the Army Reserves. Even though it was a hard time in our young lifes , we made the best of it. We supported each other and showed each other the respect that we wanted. He was always a fellow soldier U could depend on for anything. I consider him a dear friend. Bless Mike and bless the Fucci Family.
My most sincere condolences.
15 years ago I was introduced to Mike by his friend and my brother in law Arlie Harwood.
My life has certainly been enriched by knowing him.
Mike would frequently stop by my office (he did all my counter tops) and I knew it was time to get out my check book. Selling dinners for the K of C, full page ads for sports night or sponsoring holes for the Lisi Tournament (I got to play with Mike, Arlie and the “mayor” always a great day).
His involvement and care for our community was amazing.
He was one of the good ones. All who knew him are confidant he is now in a better place.
My sincere condolences to the family upon the loss of Mike. May all the good memories sustain you.
The passing of one of the true “good guys” saddens me.
We will miss Mike and the Hornell gang coming up to our tailgates at the Bills games. Mike was always quick with a smile and the latest good news about his beloved family and hometown. What an ambassador to represent all that is good about our community.
In honor of a life successfully lived in service to your fellow men…
“Well Done Mike”
To my Aunt Linda and cousins Lisa and Tony, I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you guys. I couldn’t imagine. I have great memories of my Uncle Mike. having wonderful gatherings at his home, playing in the pool, having bbq’s. Great memories. I pray that you guys heal from this pain. He is with the Lord, his forever home. love you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Stay strong.
It was my great honor and a personal pleasure to have known Mike Fucci. I miss him and mourn his passing. Hornell has lost a man who loved his community and dedicated countless hours to its service. The success of the annual Sports Night fundraiser and the thousands of dollars raised for Special Olympics and area youth activities are testament to his dedication to community service, and the lasting legacy of this generous, good man.
Everyone who attends Sports Night this year will have “Fooch” in their hearts. I know I will.
My memories of Mike go back to our starting at St. Ann’s school together in first grade. We were all so young but I can still see that six year old face! I remember classes, Mike delivering a five cent bag of salted pumpkin seeds from his mother’s store to anyone who “ordered” them before he went home to lunch, school picnics, socials at the “foxhole” where Mike was the best jitterbugger in the place, class reunions, and his ushering at St. Ann’s Church. I had the privilege of teaching both Tony and Lisa so I know what wonderful parents he and Linda were. And I fondly remember Mike’s introducing Dominic to me after he(Dominic) did a reading at St. Ann’s and Mike’s pride in his grandchildren was so obvious! He was a wonderful man and we are better off for having known him.
Mike and I were fellow soldiers for many of his 20 years of service. During that time Mike always was a professional with the highest standards of integrety. Losing him was a ture shock and a loss of a respected friend. My sympathies go out to Linda, the children and the rest of the family. It is hard to imagine a world without Mike.
We are sorry for your loss.