Phillip J. Tucciarone

Phillip John Tucciarone, 96, passed away at home on June 19. Phillip was called to Heaven by his wife, Lydia, on what would have been their 74th Wedding Anniversary. A lifelong Stamford resident, son of the late Maria Mallozzi and Giovanni Tucciarone, he was born May 30, 1925. Upon graduation from J M Wright Technical School, Phil enlisted in the U S Navy serving in the South Pacific from 1943 – 1946 as a Submarine Mechanic aboard the USS Gar, the USS Sea Leopard and the USS Orion. After his Honorable Discharge, Phil met and married Lydia Rossi in 1947 and built a life together until her death in 1984. Phil worked as a mechanic for Packard and Cadillac dealers as well as Elm Sales and Service in Stamford. In the early 1960s he joined his father in the family landscaping business and attended Rutgers Turf School and was a member of the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association. He worked in the family landscaping business alongside his son, John, until Phil’s retirement in 1999. Phil was a Charter Member of the Stamford Racing Pigeon Club for 70+ years. His passion was breeding, training and racing homing pigeons. Phil also began to take Ballroom Dancing lessons in 1989 and learned well enough to help teach beginners. He made many friends through Ballroom Magic. Phil was a lifelong Yankees Fan and loved spending time in his garden growing the BEST tomatoes the family ate. He shared his bounty with friends and family. He modeled a strong work ethic, loyalty and a lifelong quest for knowledge and he met each challenge with strength and determination. Phil will be missed by his sister, Anna Tucciarone Abbazia of Milford. He leaves three children; Donnasue Tucciarone of Danbury, John Tucciarone and wife Lisa of Stamford, and Lori Tucciarone of Stamford. Two adoring grandchildren, Dr. Patrick J Conetta of NC and wife Kristyn and Meegan Conetta Garrity and husband Dana of Monroe Ct. and four beautiful great grandchildren; Max Conetta, Kaige Garrity, Evan Conetta and Kyla Garrity. Phil left numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his parents and wife, Lydia, he was predeceased in death by his brother James Tucciarone of Norwalk. A private graveside service was held at St. John Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.