Ann (Germain) Rucci

Ann D. (Germain) Rucci, 92, a lifelong resident of Worcester, dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and sister passed away peacefully at home, Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024. 

Ann was born in Worcester to a large Italian family, one of fourteen children of Italian immigrants, John and Tarquinia (Velletri) Germain. Raised and educated in Worcester, Ann married the “love of her life” Anthony “Tony” Rucci. They settled in the Grafton Hill neighborhood to raise their family with faith, love, and family, until Tony left her side in April of 1999. Ann continued to live a vibrant, dedicated life in the family home until her passing. Ann co-owned and operated with her husband, the Buon Fortuna Bar until retiring.

 Ann is survived by her two children; her daughter, Maryann Fontana and her husband Scott, and her son, Daniel Rucci, all of Worcester; three grandchildren she adored, Jennifer and Joseph Salvatore, III, and Christian Laferriere; the apples of her eye, great grandsons, Joey, IV and Tony; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. The last child of fifteen, five brothers, Anthony, Peter, Albert, Joseph, and Louis Germain, and seven sisters, Susan Roccanti, Carrie Upstrom, Louisa Prest, Mary Seymour, Esther Armenti, JoAnn Darcy, Lucy Agbay, Mae Etre and Helen Gesuse also predeceased her.

Ann was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church. She was devoted to her Italian heritage and catholic faith, reciting the rosary, and attending, mass regularly. She cherished her Italian heritage and passing those traditions to her family. Ann was the matriarch of the Germain and Rucci, families, who always came first in her life no matter what. She was the backbone of her family and remained devoted to all of them in life. A strong-willed woman, who guided all who came to her seeking advice and counsel. Ann also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, cooking, the holidays, having her family around her, and the occasional trips to the casino. Ann truly believed that faith, family and friends were the most important parts of her life and had room in her heart for everyone she met.

 Funeral services and burial in St. John Cemetery will be held privately. Memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Notre Dame Hospice, 555 Plantation St. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester is honored to be assisting the family once more.