Gerard A Tucci

On Tuesday January 23rd the world lost a loving Father, Grandfather and Friend.

Gerard A. “Tuch” Tucci passed away at 80 years old.  A long time resident of Oreland, PA.

He joins his loving wife Joan nee Barben who passed away in March of 1994 and his parents Louis and Ellen nee O’Driscoll.

Beloved Father of Marie, Daniel (Rose), and Theresa (Kevin McGuire).

Proud Grandfather of Ryan & Jenna Tucci and Kelly & Matthew McGuire.

Brother to Louis Tucci and the late Thomas Tucci.

Brother In Law to the late Gordon (Debbie), Allen (Linda) and James (Betty) along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

As a youth, Gerry was active in the Boy Scouts, and again as an adult with his son Dan.  He was so proud when Dan achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with Oreland, Troop 411.

Gerry graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1961 and entered the apprenticeship program at Philadelphia Plumbers Local 690 where he became a Master Plumber until he retired.  As a plumber, he worked in many of the hospitals throughout the city of Philadelphia, but his favorite assignment was at McNeil Pharmaceutical, which was just a hop, a skip and a jump from home.

As a young adult, he developed interests in cars and auto racing.  He and Joan attended many local tracks such as Hatfield Raceway.  In later years, Gerry took his kids to Grandview Raceway, and his kids treated him to NASCAR races at Pocono Raceway and Dover Motor Speedway.  In his retirement years, Gerry even went to Speedweeks in Daytona a few times with Allen and Linda. What a thrill for him!

He also loved going fly fishing in his younger days.  In retirement, Gerry’s interests turned to salt water fishing, and he especially enjoyed fishing aboard his friends Harry’s and Bob’s boats. He also was a long time member of the Long Beach Island Fishing Club where he served as Sergeant of Arms for many years.  He was part of the “Old Geezers” group that served coffee and donuts to the fishermen at the Annual LBIFC Tournament, and he was part of the Annual Clambake's food serving group.

For over 40 years, he enjoyed a weekend at Malvern Retreat House every January where he was able to strengthen his Catholic faith.  His group was named for Saints Peter and Paul a.k.a “The Snowbirds.”

Gerry was always quick with a joke. He inherited his mother Ellen’s talent for storytelling and poetry, and he inherited his green thumb from his father Louis. Gerry used to tinker and fix anything the way he thought it needed to be fixed.

In retirement, Gerry became quite the fitness enthusiast. He joined the YMCA, then Planet Fitness and finally Artman Becoming Center. He enjoyed working out many times a week, and he continued his workout routines until his last day on Earth.

He loved his family wholeheartedly and doted on his grandchildren. It filled his heart with joy spending time with them, especially watching them play baseball or performing in their school shows. 

In later years, he enjoyed games of all kinds and word searches, and he was an avid watcher of Wheel of Fortune.

Five years ago he experienced a stroke, but that did not stop Gerry. He worked hard in therapy and regained a lot of his strength, and used it to savor and enjoy life even more. 

Over the last four months Gerry endured many hardships but he persevered until the Lord called him home. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends, but he will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, rest easy Dad (Tuch)!

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10AM at St. Genevieve Church 1225 Bethlehem Pike Flourtown, PA 19031.  Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation from 9-10AM at the church.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Long Beach Island Fishing Club (6 E Cape May Avenue, Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008) and Malvern Retreat House (malvernretreat.com).