Name: John DiTucci



Life Dates: 5/30/1924 - 2/17/2004



City Of Birth: Rochester, NY



Survived by

He is survived by his wife, Frances (Colaruotolo) DiTucci; children, Charles (Joanne) DiTucci of Rhode Island, John Jr. (Cindy) DiTucci of Pennslyvania., Thomas (Sharon) DiTucci, Alexander DiTucci of Kentucky; grandchildren, Tina (Mike) Ventrella of NC, Kara, Kristi, Jessica, Justin, Matthew, Nicholas, James; great grandchildren, Colin Hayden-Jeanne Ventrella; brothers, Damiano (Sarah) DiTucci, Joseph (Rosemarie) DiTucci of CT; several nieces nephews



History

John was a World War II veteran and served in the US Army, as a sergeant in the China/Burma/India campaign. He was a member of the heralded "Merrill's Marauders". His unit was the first US ground combat force to meet the enemy in WWII on the continent of Asia. In 1945, while fighting proudly for our country in Burma, John was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart. He also received the Conspicuous Service Cross and a presidential citation for his role in defending our freedom. After his first heart attack in 1967, John began walking every day. Having lived on Ridge Road, he would walk to Ridgemont Plaza or to the mall. He loved to walk, whether by himself or with his grandchildren. He walked so much that people would honk and wave when going by. He earned the nickname "Ridge Road Walker" from bank tellers, store clerks, and people he didn't even know. John retired from Eastman Kodak in 1974 after 30 years of service, and during his retirement took on a role that became a passion for him. He served as president of the Roll Coating Retirees Group, and organized monthly luncheons for many years. There were over 700 retirees with about 100 attending each month. When one luncheon was over, he was right into planning the next. He had an excellent team to work with, but was always the one doing the negotiating and keeping the price down to get the best value for his fellow retirees. He loved doing this and loved making the group happy. John had a special love for his entire family. He was a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. While visiting with them, he would often find himself playing card games, wearing a silly hat, or having tea with a teddy bear or cabbage patch doll. He had a special relationship with each grandchild and was loved dearly.



Donations

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Veteran`s Outreach Clinic, 465 Westfall Road, Rochester NY 14620, c/o Ken Piazza



Services

Visiting Hours will be Friday 2-4 7-9. All are invited to attend prayers at the Funeral Home on Saturday at 8:30AM followed by John`s Funeral Mass at 9:30AM at St. John the Evangelist Church (Ridge Rd. W). Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery