Ray Ernest Pucci Sr.'s Obituary
On November 9th, Ray Ernest Pucci Sr, of North Canton, passed away and heaven received a new master gardener.
Born in Alliance to Patsy and Rose Pucci, he grew up in a family that was rich in love. As a young man, his father taught him to play the accordion and he often played with Patsy’s band “The Melodiers”. Until a few years ago, you could still catch him playing songs in the kitchen.
Ray joined the Army and was stationed in South Korea, where he sharpened carpentry skills and entertained fellow soldiers with his accordion playing.
He then graduated from the University of Mount Union, where he was captain of the Purple Raiders football team. He met the love of his life, Delma, on a blind date at Suntan Acres in Alliance, that had been set up by their lifelong friends Mike and Betty Jean Crist. Ray and Del celebrated their 65th Wedding anniversary this past June 8th.
Ray was very proud of their five children, Lisa, Ray Jr (Cindy), Joe (Renee), Cheryl Carroll (John), and Steve (Debbie). He was thrilled with nine grandchildren, Ashley (Nick Villers), Chase (Elizabeth), Jenifer (Anthony Medzi), Samantha (Chris Pisanelli), Kyle (Tara), Kristen, Logan, John and Justin. Ray’s family expanded with four great grandchildren who always brought a smile to his face, A.J., Reagan, Joleen and Emilia. He is also survived by his brother, Melvin Pucci of Alliance.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frank and Robert, and a sister Eleanor Phillips (Norm).
Ray retired from General Tire and since then was so busy that he often wondered how he ever got things done when he still worked. When he wasn’t working in his garden, he filled his time with tinkering in his wood shop, building model boats, playing cards and watching Mount Union sports. His favorite place away from home was at Emerald Isle NC. He never got bored of fishing at the beach. Everyone knew that if they had a garden question, they could ask Ray. He never tired of talking about gardening or with working in his monstrous garden. Summertime and Fall visitors were always sent home with zucchini, peppers, sweet corn, pumpkins, etc. While those of us still on earth will miss him forever, he will never be forgotten, and heaven above will welcome him and his cultivating skills.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, from 9:00 – 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alliance. His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 am with Rev. G . David Weikart, as celebrant. Burial, with military honors, will immediately follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
You are invited to view Ray's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories at www.sharerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.
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