Theodore O. Pucci

April 7, 1928 - February 18, 2020

Theodore O. Pucci, 91, of Kingsford, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain surrounded by his children. Ted was born April 7, 1928, in Iron Mountain to the late Louis and Helen (Rocconi) Pucci. He was a lifelong resident of the area. He attended St. Mary’s of Wausau, WI, where he earned his degree as an X-ray technician. While attending St. Mary’s he met Honora Gappa, and the two married in 1951. Shortly after they married, Ted was sent to Korea to serve with the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict for 18 months. While there he served at the 101st Evacuation Hospital as an X-ray technician. Upon his return, Ted and Honora moved to Racine, WI, but after a few years returned to the area. They purchased a neighborhood grocery store from the Payant family in East Kingsford. Ted ran Pucci’s One Stop for 22 years. He was often known for allowing families to purchase groceries through an honor system when they couldn’t afford to pay. He was always happy to help his neighbors. He then bought out his business partners and became sole owner of Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, an Iron Mountain staple where he served up pizza, mojos, and chicken. His kids worked in the kitchen and their friends filled the dining area on weekends, playing arcade games, eating pizza, and listening the jukebox. Ted built and ran a successful business at Shakey's for 14 years until his retirement. People still remark on how much they loved Shakey's. In his free time, Ted loved to play pool, cards, bocce ball and grow tomatoes in his garden. He served for several years as president of the Crystal Lake senior center and was on the board of directors of the Dickinson Area Bocce Association. Ted was a man about town. Everywhere he went, somebody knew him. He was the definition of a good, honest man and always put his family first. He will be remembered as a loyal Packers fan, the owner of a family-famous spaghetti sauce recipe, and a pillar of respect and strength in his family. In addition to his parents Ted was preceded in death by his wife Honora. He loved her until his dying day and talked about her often. Ted is survived by his six children; Ted Jr. (Liz) Pucci of Grandview, MO, Anne Pucci of Niagara, WI, Mary (Butch) Bruen of Merrimen, Theresa (Jeff) Coates of Randville, Paul (Debbie) Pucci of Granite Bluff, and Trish (Mark) Constantini of Merriman; ten grandchildren, Tom, Christina, Ryan, Lindsay, Alison, Jonathan, Lisa, Tori, Ginny, and Lexy; two great-grandchildren, Greyson and Cora; one brother, Louis (Joan) Pucci, Jr, as well as several neices and nephews. This quote was found in Ted's address book and describes how he approached his everyday life: “Pain is a part of life. Misery is an option.” May we all take Ted’s strength with us during this difficult time. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, February 22 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Services will follow at 12:30 pm at the funeral home. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will officiate. Condolences to the family of Theodore O. Pucci maybe expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.