Richard W. “Gert” Vannucci, age 81, of 13524 Waite Road, Waterford, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 10, 2009 surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer. Born on August 26, 1927 in Erie, he was the son of the late William Gallager Vannucci and Albertina Angelotti Vannucci.
Vannucci, Richard W. Richard served in the United States Army during WWII as a transport driver. For the remainder of his working years, he was a Union truck driver until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Teamsters Union for 29 years and drove for A. Duchini, Caby Transportation, Terminal Transport, and American Freight from which he retired. For many of his driving years he received the “Top Driver” award for safety. He was a lifetime New York Yankees fan, and most of all, he was dedicated to his family and enjoyed spending time with them.
Preceding him in death were two sisters, Johanna Marie Vannucci and Geraldine Vannucci Marino.
The surviving family members that mourn his loss include his wife, Mary Dunavin Vannucci; three daughters, Joan Marie Hammer and husband Tim of Erie, Carrie Vannucci Kamper and husband Frank of Union City, and Paula Vannucci Capela of Waterford; three sons, Richard Lewis Vannucci and wife Debra of Harborcreek, Richard Allen Vannucci and fiance Joyce Borton of Spring Creek, and Randy Lane Vannucci and wife Joni of Waterford. He is further survived by 15 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, a sister Dottie Romecki and husband Frank of Erie, a cousin John Angelloti and a nephew Mark E. Gray.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will take place there on Thursday at 11:00am and will be officiated by Rev. Timothy Smitley of the Spring Creek Community Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the family.