Paul J. Pucci, of East Longmeadow, MA, entered into Eternal Life on Friday March 9, 2018, in the comfort of his home with loved ones by his side. He was the beloved husband of Katherine L. (Streeter) Pucci. Paul was born on July 28, 1930 in Niagara Falls, NY, to the late Armando Joseph and Josephine Rose (Pieroni) Pucci. He had resided in Enfield for 26 years, moving to South Windsor in 1981. For thirteen years Paul resided in East Longmeadow, enjoying retirement and a second home in Cape Coral, FL for many of those years. Paul served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy (1948-1952) aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore. Paul was employed with TWA for 35 years and with Arrow Bus Company for 10 years. He was a member of St. Michael’s Parish and a former member of the Knights of Columbus, East Longmeadow. Paul was an extremely hard-working man, always willing to help, putting the needs of others before his own.
During his lifetime, Paul traveled around the world. Whether by land, air or sea, he was always ready for a vacation. His journeys created lifetime of memories, for which he was able to say “I am lucky, I got to travel around the world”. Woven into his travel memories were the moments he shared with family and friends. Good food and laughter was what he enjoyed the most, especially if he was the one making everyone laugh. “I lived a good life” were words he spoke many times when he was ready for his final journey.
In addition to his wife Katherine, Paul is also survived by his children; Gary Pucci of Wilmington, NC, Paul Pucci (Susan) of Lake Kiowa, TX, Cathy McLean (Chris) of Jefferson, IN, Lisa Crouse of Kemah, TX, Deneen Dulka (Kevin) of Windsor Locks, CT and Shelly Gazis (Fotios) of Somers, CT, twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, a brother; Robert Pucci (Pam) of MI, his step children and their families, John Hawley of Feeding Hills, MA, Neil Hawley (Cindy) of East Longmeadow, MA, Bruce Hawley of Bunnell, FL, and David Hawley (Katrina) of Hampden, MA, along with several other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, Paul was also predeceased by his first wife, Nancy, in 2004, and his brother, Armand Pucci in 2016.
A period for visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 12, 2018 at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Road (Rt. 220) Enfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday March 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, MA, (please meet at church). Interment with military honors will follow in St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery, Enfield, CT.
Memorial donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL Memphis, TN 38105-9959.