Michael R. Bucci, Sr., 86, of Fellsburg (Rostraver Township), passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.  Mr. Bucci was born on July 1, 1925 to Giuseppe (Joseph) and Vincenza (Jennie Faraci) Bucci in Monessen.

 

After graduating from Monessen High School in 1943, he was a Corporal in the Quartermaster Corps during World War II.  For 28 years, he was employed by the U. S. Postal Service in Pittsburgh as a General Foreman and later as Manager of Mail Processing.  His last 8 years were completed as Manager of Mail Processing at the Washington (PA) Post Office.

 

Mr. Bucci was proud to speak of his 60 “wonderful” years of marriage to Helen (Urda) Bucci whom he married on May 26, 1951 at St. Cajetan’s Church in Monessen.  He also informed everyone about his children: Cindy (Tom) Gregg of Rostraver Township and Michael Bucci, Jr. of Mt. Lebanon; grandchildren: Theo Allyn (Lyn) Kelley and Krista Bucci of Pittsburgh, Ashley Galloway of York, PA and Tommy Gregg of Rostraver Township and his great-granddaughter, Olivia Reese Kelley.

 

He is also survived by 4 sisters: Elizabeth Frank, Baltimore, MD; Marie (Dominick) Valente, Monessen; Dolores (Irv) Becken, Ontario, NY; and Joyce (Jim) Cunningham, Belle Vernon; 1 brother; Joseph (Theresa) Bucci, Elmira, NY, 2 sisters-in-law: Dorse (Ed) Rodebaugh, Weedville and Margaret Urda, Charleroi, and several nieces and nephews.

 

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Guy Bucci, a niece, Annette Valente, 3 brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law: Anthony Frank, Fred Urda and Anne and Ernie Pierce.

 

Mr. Bucci was a charter member of St. Anne’s Church, Rostraver and served on the Building Committee.  For 28 years, he was a member of the church choir and was Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Holy Name Society.  In addition, he belonged to the American Legion Post 0401, West Newton, was a life member of the Sons of Italy, Monessen Lodge, having served as recording secretary and was a longtime member of the Rostraver Township Lions Club where he was honored 3 times as Lion of the Year.  From 1996-1997, he was District Governer of District 14-E (Westmoreland County) and was presented the Governer’s Excellence Award by Past International President Augustin Soliva.  Because of the devoted service in various capacities at the local, district and state levels, he was recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow, Lions International’s highest recognition for dedicated humanitarian services, as well as the PA Counselor’s Award and Lions International’s Leadership Medal from Past International President Dr. Jean Behar.  Mr. Bucci was also a former member of the Monessen Elks Lodge #773.

 

Friends will be received on Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the James C. Stump Funeral Home Inc., 580 Circle Drive, Belle Vernon/Rostraver Township (724-929-7934) www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com where a Blessing Service will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Anne, 1870 Rostraver Road, Belle Vernon, PA 15012 with his Pastor, the Rev. Vincent J. Gigliotti, as celebrant.  Interment, with Military honors, will follow in West Newton Cemetery.