Polly C. (Cucci) Brock

UTICA – Polly C. (Cucci) Brock, age 100, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, with the love of her family in her heart and the compassionate attention of the Masonic Care Community staff surrounding her. Born in Utica on October 3, 1924, Polly was the daughter of the late Frank A. and Virginia (Inserra) Cucci. A daughter of Italian immigrants, she grew up in East Utica and was a product of the Depression. She was raised with the values and work ethic required to be successful. She was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School and attended the Utica School of Commerce. Polly never lost sight of where she came from. On December 6, 1952, Polly married James G. “Jim” Brock, Sr. Their relationship was built on love, mutual support, and respect. Jim was Polly’s everything, and she was his. After serving in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II, Jim returned home to find Polly had started working at the Jim Brock Agency in Utica in the mailroom and eventually worked her way up to be his private secretary. The couple shared 44 wonderful years of marriage prior to Jim’s untimely passing on July 11, 1996. Polly was wild and wacky, and kind by nature. She had a special affection for both children and animals. An avid reader of non-fiction, she stayed informed by reading two to three newspapers a day. She was also a passionate sports fan, never missing a chance to cheer on her beloved Buffalo Bills. Polly also enjoyed gardening and was a collector of antiques. Polly possessed an unwavering love and dedication to her family—but she could also be fiery and outspoken when the moment called for it! Deeply philanthropic, she generously supported numerous local charities, including but not limited to, Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society. She had a special fondness for the Utica Zoo and the Theater at Woodshill. A proud snowbird, she spent six months of the year at the beautiful Sea View Hotel in Bal Harbour, Florida, where Jim Sr. enjoyed golfing while Polly indulged in her love of shopping. Polly is survived by her children and their spouses, Jim G. Jr. and Jonathan H. Brock, and Lola Brock Meakin and her husband Jeremy Edwin John Meakin of Penn, England; and grandchildren, James Edwin Brock Meakin and his wife Sian Margaret Hamer, and Edward Brock Meakin, all of London, England. She held close to her heart the memory of her siblings who preceded her, Rosella C. Lupi, and Attilio F. “Til” Cucci. She leaves behind her brother-in-law, Richard F. Lupi; sister-in-law, Marie J. (Bernardi) Cucci; nieces and nephews, Marlene and Peter Duniec, Frank S. Cucci and Toni Costello, Richard M. Cucci and his wife Frances Maggiore-Cucci, Ginnie Lupi, Susan Lupi, and Andrea and Brett Jones and their families; cousins; and her extended family, Norman R. Hansen, Jessica and Dana Pashley, and Jennifer and Steve Planck. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Helen Miles, Opal Young, Olen Brock, and Tom Brock. The Brock family wishes to extend their gratitude to Polly’s personal assistant and dear friend, Donna Gerardo, and her husband, Tony; and her loyal and loving office assistant, Colleen Truax. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Polly’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on what would have been her 101st birthday, Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:00 at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Per Polly’s request, all who attend are kindly asked to dress business casual and to avoid wearing black (if possible) to her funeral. Memorial contributions in Polly’s honor may be made to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society online at www.anitas-sshs.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the Mass. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Polly C. (Cucci) Brock

October 3, 1924 - August 6, 2025