Thomas Vincent Bucci

Thomas Vincent Bucci, Sr., 90, renowned pianists, composer and educator passed away peacefully February 10, 2017 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family and passed away within only a matter of hours after the death of the love of his life, Catherine Conway Bucci.

Thomas was born in Providence, Rhode Island on Sept 7, 1926 and was the son of Vincent A. Bucci from Concasale Italy and Anna (Lisi) Bucci. He attended Providence Schools until his graduation in 1944. It was at Hope High School where he met and would eventually marry Catherine Conway Bucci. Their love story was one for the ages and it would unfold-as if purposefully- over 67 years of marriage. They remained together in their home until the last few days of their lives. Thomas passed away within 48 hours of losing his beloved wife, Catherine.

After high school and from 1944-1946 Thomas served in the United States Army and conducted the 40th Division Band at the age of 19. Thomas went on to receive both his undergraduate degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Ma. later, in 1960, his master’s degree. He studied piano with Felix Fox, Anna Lothian, and Howard Goding.

Thomas and Catherine moved from Providence, R.I to Portland, Maine in 1951 where he began a thirty-year career as Instrumental Music Supervisor for the Portland School System. He taught courses in Electronic Music and Composition as well as Theory and Composition. Thomas also conducted the Portland High School Band and Orchestra. From 1960-1972 he was the Musical Director at Portland Lyric Theatre. Thomas was a member of the Applied Music Faculty at the University of Southern Maine where he taught Piano, Theory and Orchestration. He remained at the University of Southern Maine until his 85th birthday. Many of his former students described Mr. Bucci as “always pushing them beyond what they believed was possible.” He was a humble man whose encouragement and steadfast support and friendship was felt by hundreds of his students over the years.

Thomas performed extensively throughout New England in concerts, radio and television. He appeared as a Jazz soloist with several leading Jazz groups. He accompanied the Maine All State Festival Chorus from 1962-1982. Thomas also performed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra as a soloist on several occasions throughout his career and also directed the Portland Junior Symphony Orchestra. Thomas was the Choral Director at Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine from 1965-1972. He was the organist at St Joseph’s Church for 45 years where he played two Masses each Sunday morning.

Many of this Mr. Bucci’s compositions have been performed throughout the United States. His Woodwind Quintet was performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C and was commissioned by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Brass Quintet. “Yesterday, Today, and Always”, a choral piece, was performed by the Meeting House Hill Church. One of his compositions, along with other American composers, was selected to be placed in a time capsule at Lincoln Center where it will be opened in the year 2050.

His composition “The Mass” was written for and premiered by the University of Southern Maine Chorale and was also later performed by the 1976 All State Chorus and Orchestra. Thomas also adjudicated throughout New England at State Festivals, Jazz and Orchestra Festivals and several Piano competitions.

Some of his 100 plus published works include; “Concertante” for Viola and Piano, “Italian Folk Fantasy” for Full Orchestra, “Dinner Anyone” for Chorus and Piano, and “Sing Joyfully to God” for Chorus and Piano.

Thomas is survived by his five children, Thomas Bucci, Jr., Anne Bucci (Mark) Cignoli, Vincent (Susan) Bucci, Kathleen Bucci Ball, and David (Becky) Bucci. He also survived by brothers, Edward Bucci (Rose) and Vincent Bucci (Margo) both of Providence Rhode Island, two sisters in law-Berniece Dempsey and Madeline George, and several nieces nephews and godchildren. He was predeceased in life by his son in-law, James Ball, Sr.

Thomas also leaves behind 10 grandchildren who adored their Papa and relished their time and the many experiences they shared with him. Many of them have often said that Papa gave them their adventurous spirit and sense of humor. His passing has left a hole in the hearts of Christine, David, Jennifer, Mary, Allison, Laura, Colleen, Erin, Matthew and Patrick. He also leaves behind 7 great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Kolby, Brendan, Brynlee, Kyler, Caroline and Theodore.

We would like to extend our deepest and most profound gratitude to Dr. Timothy Baum and his nurse, Sarah for the incredible and unsurpassed medical care and devotion provided Thomas during the last years of his life. Their compassion and responsiveness is unmatched.

We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to our caregivers, Janet Blessing, Lisa Sanborn, and Danielle Medina for the compassionate care, skill, love and commitment they have shown both Catherine and Thomas each and every day so that they could remain together in their home over these past few years. And lastly, to Mercy Hospital and the entire staff of Doctors and Nurses whose compassion and skill were immeasurable.

Friends and relatives are invited to a time of visitation from 3-7pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at the Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of both Thomas and Catherine will be celebrated at 11am Wednesday February 15, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 673 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME.

Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery 1461 Broadway, South Portland, ME.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for additional information and to sign Thomas’s online guest book.

Arrangements under the direction of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, Portland, ME.