Thomas F. ‘Tom’ Tucci
He served our country in World War II, primarily in the Philippines and Pacific arena, and was awarded the Bronze Star. He returned from the war and attended the College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating with a degree in business/accounting in 1949.
After graduation, he returned to Livingston and in an act of fate met an attractive young nurse from St. Paul who was working in Yellowstone National Park.
Tom and this nurse, Elizabeth “Betty” McCall, married in 1951, and children soon followed.
He worked in a variety of businesses, including groceries, milk delivery and chicken farming, but never found his fortune.
At that point, he put his college education to work, pursued his CPA and joined the Internal Revenue Service in Billings in 1955, transferred to Helena in 1967 and retired in 1979. He joined the faculty as an adjunct professor at Carroll College in Helena and taught accounting courses for six years. During his time at Carroll College, Tom developed his artistic side, pursuing oil and water color painting. Several of his paintings currently reside in his children’s homes.
Tom was an avid golfer and shared his enthusiasm for the sport with his wife, children and grandchildren. Tom won club championships in Billings at Lake Hills Golf Course, and in Helena at Bill Roberts Golf Course and Green Meadow Country Club. Tom scored four holes-in-one in his career and was very proud of the day he shot his age, 79.
In addition to golf, Tom enjoyed fly fishing, an activity he also pursued with his family.
Tom and Betty traveled to Florida, Arizona and California to chase the warm weather and green golf courses. They also made trips to Italy, the land of his ancestors, and Scotland, the land of the “grand ole game.”
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Angeline Tucci, and sister, Mary (Michael) Testa. Tom will be greatly missed by his family, including his wife of 57 years, Betty; four children, Helen (Jack Nielson), Andy (Becky), Mary (Mark Bryson) and Paul (Niki); niece, Angela (Bruce) Van de Walker; and nephew, Michael Testa.
He has 13 grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much and all of whom cherished every moment with Grandpa Tom: Luke, Erik, Drew, John and Marie Nielson of Anchorage, Alaska; Matthew, Michael and Hannah Tucci of Austin, Texas; Grady and Sarah Bryson of Montana City; and Tom, Ryan and Anna Tucci of Orinda, Calif.
A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. Sixth Ave. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
Memorials contributions may be sent to Carroll College, 1601 N. Benton Ave., Helena, MT 59601.
To offer condolences to Tom’s family or to share a memory of Tom, please visit www.mem.com.
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Reader Comments:
bigMTsky wrote on Sep 12, 2008 8:11 AM:
" Our condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to all of the extended Tucci clan. The Tucci house was a welcoming home, and more often than not, a second home for all the friends of Helen, Andy, Mary and Tom. We all wanted to be Tom and Betty's children, and in some way felt that we were. We will miss Mr. Tucci greatly, but remember him fondly, and think of him often (as we always have) when we need a model and inspiration for what a loving and generous husband and father should be. "
Paul Becky Martello wrote on Sep 11, 2008 10:19 PM:
" Andy & Mary, and family sorry to hear about your dad. I sure enjoyed him during our baseball, softball days. He was a great guy and will be missed. Keep the good memories close and it will help get through. Our prayers are with you and all the family. "
Harvey DeMars wrote on Sep 11, 2008 1:01 PM:
" My condolences to Betty and the Tucci family.I enjoyed many golf times with Tom in the mens league and mens group.
When the weather was inclement we played many games of cribbage. I will miss him. "
When the weather was inclement we played many games of cribbage. I will miss him. "
Patti McDonald Marshall wrote on Sep 11, 2008 11:17 AM:
" My condolences to all of the Tucci family. Tom will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patti "
Patti "
Ray and Beverly Wilson wrote on Sep 11, 2008 9:51 AM:
" We are so sorry to hear about your father. He was a very good man and I know how loved he was by all of you. He will be greatly missed. Our Prayers and thoughts are with ou in your time of grief. It doesn't get easier but the great memories with get you through it. "
Carolyn Pelletier wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:47 PM:
" Mary & Family - So very sorry to read of your loss. I know you have many memories to help you through this very difficult time. My very deepest sympathy. "
Bill Bradford wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:48 PM:
" Betty and family: I was transfered to the Billings IRS office in the summer of l958. It wasn't long before Tom and I became friends. All of us in the Billings office had great respect for Tom, and enjoyed his calm approach to life and the job. We all hated to see him go to Helena. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "
Lorraine Bayles wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:09 PM:
" Betty and family; We are so very sorry for your loss. You were such wonderful neighbors when we lived next door to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this unhappy time. Lorraine Bayles "
Bob and Becky Olsen wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:19 AM:
" Mary, We are sorry to read on the passing of your Dad. I spent many days and evenings on the golf course chasing that magical ball with him. We will all miss him. "
Bill Coddington wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:00 AM:
" Dear Mary, I am very sorry for your loss. Your father was such a good man. It was good to see you in July. "
Sandi Dan Benson wrote on Sep 10, 2008 7:41 AM:
" Mary: We are sorry to read of your Dad passing. My the days ahead bring peace and understanding. "God Bless" "
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Tim Easton wrote on Sep 12, 2008 10:59 AM: