Vincent Anthony Fucillo

Born August 22, 1954 in Boston, Massachusetts, Vince Fucillo was brought into this world by his parents Vincent & Elizabeth. As a young boy, he lived in many places before being transplanted to Atwater California, like many before him, through his Stepfather via the US Air Force. Though with a tenacity that many would experience through his life, he didn’t complain or fight it - he made the best of the hand that was dealt to him and enjoyed living in McSwain as a middle schooler and relished in being a proud Atwater High Falcon. He lettered in 3 sports, was voted “shyest” by his classmates, and was self-described as “not a good student” - Strong personality traits that stuck with him his whole life - initially judged as shy, but after some time, most realized he had a heart of gold and a work ethic that helped him be successful in most of the things he set his mind to.

It was during high school that he was introduced to two loves of his life - a young lady named Kathy Terra and a job in construction at H. J. McCullough Construction. It wasn’t long after graduating high school that he committed to both - marriage to Kathy and a career path that would set the tone for the rest of his days. Always the independent individual, it wasn’t long until he set out to start his own business, and in 1983, what was born was Vince’s Custom Concrete. With the exception of a short 2 year break to run another company, V.C. Concrete, with Vince and Kathy leading the team, ran successfully for over 32 years. Besides his children, it was what Vince was most proud of, and the way he was able to best put his stamp on the world. He was proud that he could provide jobs for people and rarely turned away someone who needed one and wanted to work hard. Though often quietly, it allowed him to improve the community around him - if you’ve ever been in a baseball dugout, a skate park, community shelter, sidewalk, bike path, elementary school or many other projects in Merced or Atwater it is likely that he had a hand in it.

Vince had a loving family that he was very proud of. His siblings Carole, Nancy, Jim, Kim, and Paula meant the world to him. He took his role as big brother seriously but never let it get in the way of being lovingly teased or sharing a laugh and a smile. Though not related by blood, he considered the Terra family his own and embraced the special bond he had with them – and gained a couple of fishing partners as well. He was especially proud of his children and their families. James (and wife Jaimie), Erin (and husband Bryan) and Brett (and wife Trisha) and his six grandchildren will cherish fond memories of family vacations, sporting events, and holidays spent at home or on the central coast. His wife Kathy of 45 years will treasure the memories of travel adventures, weekend road trips, fine dining, dancing at their children’s weddings, laughing and living a life well lived.

Vince was extremely proud of his circle of friends - from some as far back as middle/high school and some as recently as 8 months ago - to him friends mattered. Bonds created on fishing trips and poker nights, on cruise ships to back yard barbecues, large events or one-on-one meals. He lived in the moment and cherished every one of them.

On June 2, 2021, Vince Fucillo got one of those “offers you can’t refuse”. He passed away peacefully in Merced, California after a courageous fight with Lewy Body Disease. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, though we all take peace in knowing that we will see his smile again someday, because there’s no doubt he’ll be the first one in line to welcome us.

Vince loved a reason to get together, enjoy a meal with no pretense, and relish in good company. To honor him, the family will host a Celebration of Life followed by a luncheon on June 25th at 11:00 at the Elks Park, 3600 Wardrobe Ave, Merced.

Vince was a true believer of the “learn by doing” and practical application of academics approach in the working world. If an individual wanted to work, but didn’t have specific skills, he would help teach them. Because of that belief, the family has established a memorial scholarship in his name which will be awarded to an Atwater High School student that will pursue a certificate or a degree in Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Merced College. Because Vince was also a recipient of that belief, our hope is that given the opportunity, that individual will make a difference in their world. Should you wish to contribute to this scholarship fund, please write check to Atwater High School with memo line to read Vincent Fucillo Memorial Scholarship and mail to Atwater High School, Bookkeeper, PO Box 835, Atwater, CA 95301.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Fucillo family.