Ben Modesto Pucci
January 26, 1925 ~ July 7, 2013
Ben Pucci, my wonderful dad, born January 26, 1925 passed away July 8, 2013. He was a truly great man. He never had a bad word to say about anyone, and never knew a stranger. Anyone who knew him loved him. His faith was so strong and carried him thru his fight with cancer. He will always be remembered for his pro football career with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, by most. But for me he was the perfect dad. We will miss him so much. He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his sons, Ric and Guy Pucci, his brothers Ossie and Sylvio Pucci. He is survived by his daughter, Rise Pucci and son in law Herschel Flagg, his grandchildren Kandis Mekenna Flagg, Merridith York, Chris Pucci, Shaina Pucci, and Rick Flagg. Great grandchildren, Tana, Kiley, Dylan York, and Maddy and Aidan Flagg. A Rosary will be recited, 9:30 am, Saturday, July 13, 2013 at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church on 7893 Grissom Rd. Funeral Mass to follow at 10 am. Interment will be held at Mission Burial Park North.
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To the family of Ben Pucci: My wife, Lola K. Lozano, a realtor, sold Ben and Shirly a house a number of years ago. My wife and Ben and Shirley became friends. Your parents were naturally friendly people. We exchanged Christmas cards for a number of years. We have fond memories of them. We are in our late 80’s. We want you to know that Lola and I thought a great deal of your parents. They were both First Class persons.
Bill and Lola Lozano, e-mail: lolabillsa@sbcglobal.net
To Rise and extended family. As you all know, my cousin Ben, was a wonderful family man and great person. He had a great positive attitude and good things to say about everyone. We will miss him and our prayers and thoughts are with you. As a child, I still remember going to his Mother and Father’s home for Holiday’s and family gatherings. Good times!!
Emil and Carol Pucci
Ben was my raquetball partner for years. A true gentlemen. I feel fortunate to have been his friend.
To Rise, Hershel & family,
We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences during this difficult time.
Having had the pleasure of talking with your Dad a few times at the store, I liked and respected him very much; he had so much integrity and charm. He told me of his days playing football in my home town of Buffalo and I truly enjoyed his stories. It was an honor to know him.
Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully,
The Jackson family
Rise,
We really enjoyed spending time with Uncle Ben at the Pucci reunion two years ago and speaking to him since. He serves as a great role model to all of us in how he lived his life, his devotion to family, and his infectious spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wish we coudl be ther tomorrow, but we will certainly plan a time to come to San Antonio when we can really visit with you. Love to all, Lisa, David & Marisa Sauls (Fort Worth, TX)
Vickie & I were sorry to hear of her Uncle Ben’s passing.
He was a gracious host at the annual Stag’s AC gatherings here in St. Louis and a real gentleman. Once he found out that I was from Buffalo, he would tell me stories from his days playing for the Buffalo Bills.
He is the last of the three Pucci brothers to pass and will be greatly missed.
Paul & Victoria Pucci Stewart
Ben was well respected by all who came to know him, condolences on behalf of the DeGregorio family-Joe DeGregorio
Cousin Ben,
You are my mentor, brother and friend. I will miss you everyday. So much you have endured but never complained, for sure! I will miss the conversations where you kept me on track. Thank you, I love you – no looking back! Cousin Vi To Rise and family, please accept my deepest sympathy. Love Cousin Vi
To Rise and Hershel
My deepest sympathy
Ben and I almost shared the same birthday. Mine 25 His 26. We shared many Shaw School reunions. All very precious times. Ben was my childhood hero. He is already missed.
Eleanor Riley Foster
from The Hill
I have been privileged and pleased to have known Ben since we sang together at the College Church in the 50s and then we both worked for trucking compan-
ies for many years. I will always treasure my friendship with him–what a great yet humble guy. We still exchanged Christmas cards and occasional phone calls. Many people come and go in our lives—there are not too many who are as meaningful as Ben.
John Jezik St Louis MO 314 838 3349
Dear Family,
I remember your dad from the late 40’s and met him through the Berra family. I am Yogi’s sister-in-law, Carmen’s sister. He was a fun person always smiling and I thought he was a giant! All football players looked like giants to me, even though I was only 5yrs. younger.
I called Carmen and Yogi to tell them about his death. Carmen yelled out to Yogi, “Benny Pucci died” and he just remained quite, they were not to surprised because it seems Ben had called them very recently and told them, ” I am dying of cancer and wanted to say good-bye “, isn’t that the sweetest thing? They were very sad and we shed a few tears about our younger days and all the fun we had, we talked about Ben being a Bouncer at Tune Town ,a dance club on Olive st. He always watched out for us!
Well I just wanted you to know my heart is with you and pray God Blesses you with wonderful memories.
Love to all,
Bonnie Morse (Short)
I met your dad at his Stag parties each year at LoRusso’s Cucina..I had the privilege of being his server for each event. We also wrote to each other…he became a friend …….
he was a ” giant” man with a big heart. Thank you for sharing him with so many…he will be remembered and missed.
I remember the phone would ring at my parents home & on the other end would be Ben Pucci asking to speak to my father. My father told me that He was very good friends with Ben Pucci growing up & playing sports on the Hill with him,Yogi, Joe & many others & at Southwest High School. My parents were always excited to see your father when he came back to town & as he would come to Dog Town to see them or as they spoke many times on the phone in a years time. My father George NOOKER Kehm & mother Betty have both Passed away but I know they were both waiting to welcome your Father into God’s Kingdom! I remember telling my father “what are the chances that you were Best Friends at Southwest High School with Ben Pucci & some 30 yrs. later when I attended Southwest High School I would be Best Friends with Bob Pucci, Ben’s Nephew. I then remember a Big Smile & him saying “That Pretty Special”! My preys are with you & your family!
Mr. Pucci was the most wonderful man, he was always grateful, giving, kind and happy!!
I was blessed to have known him and clean his home for a number of years. He will be missed.