Obituary of Michael Vincent Cuccio
Michael Vincent Cuccio, 89, died Monday, October 28, 2024, after a brief illness in NJ, surrounded by those he loved. He was a Deputy Chief in the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), a Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and a Rear Admiral in the New York State Naval Militia.
Mike was born on May 15, 1935 to Frank and Anna Cuccio, and grew up in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx. He joined the Navy at an early age due to a sense of patriotism as the United States entered into the Korean War. Mike served overseas in an aircraft squadron in Panama during his active duty years, and then joined the Navy Reserve, serving for a total of 40 years. He went from Seaman Recruit to Petty Officer 1st Class, and then received a direct commission where he went from Ensign to Captain. During his time in the Navy Reserve, he served as Commanding Officer of many reserve units at Fort Schuyler and was also the Commander of the New York State Naval Militia with the rank of Rear Admiral.
In 1957, Mike followed in the footsteps of his father and joined the FDNY. He served as a Firefighter and Fire Officer for 40 years, achieving the rank of Deputy Chief. He was known to the Department as an expert in high rise building fires. In 1980, when a propane tanker truck overturned on the George Washington Bridge, Mike was the senior man on scene. Due to the danger of a potentially catastrophic explosion, he ordered the traffic to be stopped on the bridge in both directions, the first time traffic had been stopped since the bridge was opened in 1931. In FDNY circles, he became known as "the guy who closed the G.W. Bridge." When Mike retired from the FDNY in 1997, he was the longest-serving member of the department.
In between Mike's active duty time in the Navy and joining the FDNY, Mike met the love of his life, Mary Buckley. They married in 1959, and they remained married for 65 years until his death. Mike and Mary have 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Mike was devoted to his family and was also a friend to many, often stepping in to lend a hand, change a tire, or invite the neighborhood to a barbeque and pool party in his backyard. In his free time, Mike enjoyed traveling the world with Mary, making numerous trips to Europe and making several ventures to the Far East. Having had an interest in flying since a young age, he earned a Private Pilot's License and enjoyed flying with family and friends. He also owned a 19-ft boat that he used on Lake Mahopac and for fishing on Long Island Sound. Lastly, Mike served as a Naval Academy "Blue and Gold Officer," providing advice and counsel to young high school students who were navigating the daunting task of applying for the United States Naval Academy.
Mike earned an AAS degree in Fire Science and Administration from Westchester Community College and a BS degree in Behavioral Science from Iona College. After receiving his degree, he taught Fire Science at Westchester Community College and Mercy College.
Mike was predeceased by his brothers Frank and Bob. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children, Annemarie, Catherine (Kevin), Michael (Yoly), and Claire (Richard), his grandchildren, Crystal (Jeremy), Joseph (Amanda), Christopher, Caroline (Greg), Kate, Dennis, David, Mary, John and Emily, his 3 great-grandchildren William, Benjamin and Kevin, and his sister, Camille, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family welcomes everyone for the Memorial Gathering from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Leber Lakeside Funeral Home in Landing, New Jersey. All are welcome to attend a Mass of the Resurrection at 12:30pm on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church in Succasunna, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the FDNY Foundation- Police and Fire Widows and Children's Fund
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