Frank Bucci Obituary

BUCCI, FRANK A., Ph.D. , 81, of Glocester, RI, formerly a resident of Allentown, passed away on September 19, 2014. Dr. Bucci enjoyed an illustrious career in education that spanned 47 years and all levels of academia. He began his career as a secondary school teacher, before reaching a number of "firsts" in various positions throughout his career. Dr. Bucci was appointed the first boys' guidance counselor at North Providence (RI) High School. He was the first full time admissions officer at Rhode Island College, and later, the first Director of Admissions, and the first Director of Student Services at RIC. In 1971, Dr. Bucci became the first Vice President of Student Affairs at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, a post he held for the next 19 years. He went on to create and fully implement a graduate studies program in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Kutztown. Dr. Bucci was the first professor and coordinator of the program. Chief among his many accomplishments while at Kutztown University, was his development of a nationally recognized undergraduate orientation program. Dr. Bucci also held many positions on various boards and committees, including the Pennsylvania Association of Student Personnel Administrators, of which he served as President, Vice-President, Past-President, and Director. He was also President, Vice-President, and director of the East Penn School Board, and President of the North Providence (RI) Teachers' Association. In addition, he published over 25 articles in professional journals. Dr. Bucci earned his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in 1970. He was a graduate of Rhode Island College, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1954. He also earned a Masters in Education from RIC in 1958. He established the Dr. Frank '54 & Camille Bucci Endowed Scholarship in Student Affairs Fund at RIC, which is awarded annually to a student who shows excellence and leadership in the field of Student Affairs. Dr. Bucci was born in Providence on Christmas Eve, 1932 to the late Frank and Rose (Savastano) Bucci. Survivors: He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Camille (Santopadre), their three children, Stephen J. Bucci of Philadelphia, PA, Jeanne M. Bucci and son-in law Dr. Andrew R. Jacobson of Boulder, CO, Karen J. Bucci of South Kingstown, RI; and four grandchildren, Liam Brennan, Maura Brennan, Julia Jacobson and Annika Jacobson. He is also survived by four brothers, Dr. Thomas J. Bucci of Mountain Home, AR, Peter P. Bucci of Hebron, CT, Joseph J.Bucci of Tucson, AZ, and James R. Bucci of Glocester, RI. He was predeceased by brothers Michael J. Bucci, and Paul Bucci. Services: His funeral was held on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from the MACERONI FUNERAL HOME, 1381 Smith St., North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Eugene's Church, Chepachet, RI. Interment was in Acotes Hill Cemetery, Chepachet. maceroni.com Contributions: Donations in his memory may be made to the Dr. Frank '54 & Camille Bucci Endowed Scholarship in Student Affairs Fund at Rhode Island College, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI 02908.