Mr. Joseph Raucci

Mr. Joseph Raucci passed away quietly in his home on March 28, 2012 surrounded by his family. Born in Ruviano, Caserta province, Italy, to the late Geremia and Lucia (Ortale) Raucci, Joseph came to the United States in his late teens. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his adopted country for twenty-one years, earning eleven commendation medals, his bachelor’s degree and ultimately retiring at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. After retirement, he continued to serve as a civilian employee of the Air Force for an additional twenty years. During his time in the Air Force, Joseph served all over the world and in active war zones. While stationed in Athens, Greece he met and married his wife, Despina, who stood by him through thick and thin. Her love and support allowed him to achieve more than he ever imagined and together they raised three upstanding children of which he was very proud. Joseph was an honest and hard working man who sacrificed everything to provide for his family. They were everything to him. He loved gardening and created a sanctuary in his own little patch of heaven here on earth. Everything he touched grew and flourished under his love. He is survived by his beautiful wife Despina, his three children, Jeremy, Leone, and Lucy (Sandra) Raucci, his two daughters – in –laws Lisa, and Jennifer and son–in–law Dimitris Kotsinas and his entire heart and soul, his eight grandchildren Eleni, Odysseas, Sophia, Joseph, Danai, Justin, Miltiadis, and Addison. In addition, Joseph is survived by his sister Antoinetta, Brother-in-law Pat, nieces and nephews Amy, Vincent and Michael DeLeonardis and their families, his Aunt Erminia Cusano and many cousins. Also, brothers in law Dimitris Siscos, Konstantinos Athanassiadis-Manos and their wives and families as well as too many relatives to mention here. Joseph’s family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful friends and neighbors who cared about him and supported him at all times. If you would like to make a donation in Joseph’s name, the family requests consideration of St. Mark’s Church in North Utica or else a charity of your choice; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Joseph’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 at St. Mark’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with military honors. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery at the convenience of the family.