In loving memory of

Gene Francis Bucci
February 10, 1947 - April 12, 2023

Gene Francis Bucci, age 76, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on April 12, 2023 at home. He was the husband of Hilda (Dube) Bucci.

Gene was born and raised in Newport, RI. He was a graduate of Rogers High School, and Salve Regina University.

Gene is survived by his wife Hilda Bucci, his children; Lisa Hadley, of South Kingstown, Gina D'Aguanno and her husband Jason, of East Greenwich, Jeffrey Bucci, of Portsmouth, his brother; Lawrence Bucci, and Grandchildren; Taylor Hadley, Kyle Hadley, Grace D'Aguanno, Annabella D'Aguanno.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ralph Bucci.

When you try to think of how to measure someone's life...it is really an impossible task. How do you measure someone's life in words? I don't believe that you can, but I believe it is measured in how you affect others, give to others, teach others,and love others. Gene did all of these things for those that were blessed enough to have known and loved him.

His love, dedication, and pride for his family were evident in all he did. He fiercely loved his wife Hilda. They would have been married 56 years in June. His children, and his four grandchildren were his world. He put his family first everyday in everything he did. He loved to fish. He loved New Hampshire and Disney. The Mouse was his favorite. He dedicated 32 years to The City of Newport as a Police Officer and Detective when he retired. He then continued to work until his illness made it impossible.

It is evident that Gene was special to everyone. He was kind, persistent, and tenacious, even as his illness made the things that he wanted to do impossible, he never complained. An obituary for a 76-year-old man who was so vibrant and taken from us too soon is full of amazing memories wrapped in love, grace, and gratitude by all of those whose lives he touched. Gene was the best! His thoughtfulness was unrivaled. He had a fun and playful side that few got to see. He was known to play Santa for his grandkids.

He leaves a legacy of love and kindness. He was the salt of the earth kind of man. He left the world better than he found it. He would want you to take the vacation, take the day off, don't take life too seriously for in the end what we worry about doesn't really matter. Live without regret. Gene's life is an unfinished story. It is unfinished in his family, his children and his grandchildren who carry on his memories.

Dad, I hope you are up there driving in the convertible with the wind in your hair. Eating a coffee ice cream cone. No more suffering. The past few years weren't how you ever wanted to live. I am honored to have been part of your dance. "For a moment, all the world was right. But how could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye. And now I'm glad I didn't know the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance." -Garth Brooks

Gene's wishes were that services be private. A celebration of his life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers we ask that you take your family out for a great meal and hold them close

Tributes

Philip & Cissie Ferzoco wrote on Apr 19, 2023:

"Phil & I extend to all our deepest condolences. Gene was such a sweet and kind -hearted man. We send our love and prayers during this difficult time. ?"

Dawn Pagliaro wrote on Apr 19, 2023:

"To Hilda and family - I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. -Dawn Pagliaro, VNHH"

Harriet Morris & David Thum wrote on Apr 19, 2023:

"Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Our sincere sympathy, David & Harriet"

PATRICK F. MURPHY wrote on Apr 18, 2023:

"ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, AND THE MURPHY FAMILY, INCLUDING SISTER SHEILA, WEST HOUSE, THANK YOU GENE FOR YOUR SERVICE. ALSO, THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT COULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THE POLICE. MAY GOD HOLD ALL THE BUCCI'S IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND. PATRICK F. MURPHY CITY HISTORIAN"

Robert Folger wrote on Apr 18, 2023:

"To Hilda, Lisa, Gina, Jeff and grandchildren. Sorry for your loss and my deepest condolences. I hope you?re able to find some comfort in your memories during this painful time. Robert Folger"

Maureen Zeigler wrote on Apr 17, 2023:

"To Hilda and her family. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. "

Kathy Glancy wrote on Apr 17, 2023:

"Dear Hilda, Lisa, Gina, Jeff, And family Jack and I are so sorry to hear of Gene?s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all throughout this sad time, love Kathy and Jack Glancy"

Capt. Russell Hayes (RET) NPD wrote on Apr 17, 2023:

"Hilda, and the entire Bucci family and extended family, my heartfelt condolences to all of you on the passing of Gene. I had the honor of working with Gene at the Newport Police Department for many years. Gene was an outstanding police detective but more importantly, and outstanding person. He was very kind to me over all those PD years and I learned a great deal from him. I enjoyed his friendship as much as his mentorship. Gene, thank you for the years you served our agency and this great city. I celebrate that I knew you, I mourn your passing, and I will think of you often and fondly. You can stand down now Detective....we will take the Watch from here. "

Christine Warcup Poncia wrote on Apr 17, 2023:

"Gene was a legend to me at Newport PD?he taught me so much about the job and life! He was all about the hustle but even more passionate about his family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. May he Rest in Peace. Christine Warcup Poncia, Newport Police (retired)"

Detective James E. Hazel wrote on Apr 15, 2023:

"Dear Hilda, Lisa, Gina, Jeffery, family, relatives & friends: Thank you for sharing Gene Francis Bucci with us. Geno, thank you for your years of service to our Newport Rhode Island Police - Detectives Division. The countless case assignments and investigative work for Justice in the City of Newport and what you had to witness along the way during those decades - are ment only for our haunt - unimaginable by the norm - but recognized by God. Your family can be proud knowing You worked for God. You did so in such calm and unassuming dignity. I am most grateful for the pictures posted of you and your loving family - as well as the touching tributes by your family and friends. That?s the man I knew. Rest in peace Gene. Nobody sweats them? like the Bucch. Det. James E Hazel, Ret. "

Kenneth Buzz Riley wrote on Apr 15, 2023:

"To Hilda & Family , I cannot find the words, it is heart felt. I am so sorry to have heard of Gene's passing. This has really hit home, such a gentle man who respected many on and off the job. Also, knowing how he felt about you & his family. Our conversations from time to time, driving back and forth to and from the Police Academy then being sworn in to the City of Newport. I was Badge 30. Many conversations in later years while he was "Detailing". My sincere condolences, Gene has left a Legacy. Husband, Father, Police Officer & Friend. ? NPD #31 ? Will be missed.., Ken "Buzz" Riley "

Raymond and Deborah Dutra wrote on Apr 15, 2023:

"Dear Hilda and Family, Our deepest sympathy."

Bob & Elaine Bucci wrote on Apr 15, 2023:

"Hilda and family, We are sorry to hear the passing of Gene. We had a lot of good times growing up. He was a great cousin and friend. He may physically gone but his memories will live on. I thought he had retired but then, again, I heard he was hired to guard the Pearly Gates of Heaven. God Bless you Gene. Bob & Elaine Bucci"

Rob Ring wrote on Apr 15, 2023:

"To the Bucci family, I was so sorry to learn of Gene' passing! I was fortunate enough to draw him as my partner in the Detective Division at NPD! He taught me much about police work and life! I will never forget him, I will miss our phone calls where I received advice and mutual laughter! I will keep the family in my prayers and Francis; rest in peace partner, until we meet again, love you pal! Rob Ring"

JoAnn Devine Stewart wrote on Apr 14, 2023:

"An amazing tribute to a great man. Reading this paints a beautiful picture of how he lived his life with kindness and grace. Your right his story is far from over. He pays it forward with his loving family and they continue his work. He gave great gifts to this short life. Gina, Lisa and Jeff as well as their children. Till we Meer again. Give Uncle Gene and my mom and dad big hugs from me! JoAnn DeVine Stewart. "