Biagio "Billy" Serafino Rucci

Biagio "Bill" Serafino Rucci, 88, entered into eternal rest at his home with his beloved daughter by his side on June 16, 2018. He was born in Hartford to the late Antonio and Maria (Parente) Rucci, on December 16, 1929. Bill was a devoted husband for 50 years to the late Angeline (Bucchere) Rucci.

He and his wife were East Hartford residents for more than 40 years, before Bill spent his final years as a Glastonbury resident. He graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1947, he attended art school and then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served from 1950 to 1952.

Bill retired in 1987 after an impressive career with the Hartford Police Department where he proudly served for 34 years. It was there that he rose through the ranks from patrolman, sergeant and vice squad detective to lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief. Throughout his career, he served at the highest level of integrity in everything that he did, overseeing special investigations, internal affairs, and the police training academy as well as other areas. Bill was also very active in the Hartford Police Activities League (PAL).

After his retirement in 1987, Bill drove school buses for Glastonbury Public Schools, where for many years, he enjoyed interacting with the parents and children on his route. Bill was also an extremely talented artist and remarkable woodworker. His specialty was making antique cars and names carved out in wood, as well as many other specialty items created in his workshop. He was also a member of the Sons of Italy for many years.

Bill was a very generous man with a wonderful sense of humor who managed to find amusement in everyday life. He was fiercely loyal and loving, and took exceptional care of his wife Angie for many years during her long illness. Bill had an enduring love and warmth for his entire family, and was always very proud of their accomplishments. He loved animals — especially his many German Shepherds — throughout his lifetime. Nico, his latest Shiloh Shepherd, will miss him greatly.

Bill will be forever remembered by his only daughter, Jo-Marie and her husband Nicholas Mielauskas of Glastonbury; a brother-in-law Valentino Raimondi of Hartford; and a sister-in-law Jane Rucci of Enfield. His life will be forever cherished by his nieces Terri, Susan and Cristina, as well as many additional nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Philomena "Dolly" Raimondi and John Rucci. Bill’s family would like to give special thanks to St. Francis Hartford Urology Group, Dr. Peter Bosco and Noreen Dowd for their tremendous support of Bill’s care over the years.

Calling hours will be Friday, June 22, from 4-7 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Funeral services will leave from the funeral chapel at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 23 for a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at the Community of SS. Isidore and Maria at the St. Paul Church campus, 2577 Main St., Glastonbury. Burial will follow in Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. In memory of Bill, donations may be made to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002. To share a memory with his family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.