Our beloved Joseph William Vannucci passed away peacefully on November 16 at home surrounded by family.

Joe will be remembered as an extraordinary and devoted father, husband, grandfather, godfather, uncle, brother, and friend. Joe was larger than life, the most big-hearted, straight-shooting, fun-loving person you would ever meet. Joe was born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He grew up with his sister, Camilla, his mother, Kathleen, and his grandparents on both sides. His father passed away when Joe was only 4 years old but was always surrounded by love and family.

Joe was a proud alum of Pennsylvania State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. Joe was named the Alumnus of the Year by Penn State University Hotel and Restaurant Society in April 1983. Joe was the most enthusiastic Penn State football fan and passed that gene on to his children. Joe later received an Advanced Degree at Harvard Business School. Joe began his professional career in the food service business, a passion he got from his grandparents, Camillo and Rose Vannucci who owned The City Hotel in Williamsport, PA. He worked with ARA Food Services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he became an Executive Vice President. While working at ARA, he met his second wife, Marilynn Raymond Vannucci.

After they were married, Marilynn and Joe settled in Bethel, Connecticut where they raised two daughters together, Kathleen ("Katie") and Maureen ("Molly"). Joe transitioned away from ARA and became the Executive Director of East Hill Woods in Southbury, CT. Joe loved every minute working at East Hill Woods and inspired his children to find a job that does not feel like work.

Joe was an active member of the Bethel community and always believed in giving back. He served as a member of the St. Mary Parish Council and was always active in St. Mary Parish, St. Mary School and Immaculate High School whether it be fundraising, cooking at pancake breakfasts, supporting the sports teams, or serving on advisory councils. Joe has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus for many years.

When Marilynn and Joe both retired, they moved to Piper's Landing Yacht & Country Club. Marilynn and Joe basked in the Florida sun and worked on their golf game while building an amazing group of friends in their community. These friends have become second family. When Joe moved to Florida, he served as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed getting to know all of the people he met on his route.

Joe was passionate about food and cooking, he put love into every dish he made. You could always find Joe busy in the kitchen whipping up something delicious like fettuccine Alfredo, homemade pasta, pasta e fagioli, homemade ice cream, or award-winning apple pie. Joe served on the board of the Culinary Institute of America and continued as a Trustee Emeritus. Joe's recipes will live on with his family. Joe also taught his friends and family the sport from his family's hometown in Italy, Tiro della Forma. Joe made rolling huge wheels of Parmesan cheese look easy.

Joe leaves behind his four children, Joseph and Todd, from his first marriage to Dorothy Clough, and Kathleen ("Katie") and Maureen ("Molly) Vannucci, daughters-in-law, Mary Vannucci and Marguerite Smith, grandchildren, Michael, Colin, and Joseph Vannucci, 6 great-grandchildren, sister Camila Zayac, sister-in-law, Barbara Jansz, brother-in-law, Tom Jansz, brothers-in-law James and Robert Jr Raymond, brother-in-law, Michael Marusha, nieces and nephews, Theodore Zayac ("Teddy"), Diane Zayac Pachucy, Mary Rose Zayac Hurst, Theresa Zayac, Daniel Zayac ("Danny"), Michael Zayac, Kathleen LaRussa, Ann Zayac Tomaszewski, Joseph Zayac, Julie Zayac Pritchyk, James Robert Jr. Raymond, Nancy Creel, Sue Bentlage, and Mary Pat Marusha Martin. In addition, he leaves behind many other family and friends too numerous to list. Joe also leaves behind his devoted and loyal dog, Sophia, who never left his side. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Marilynn, and granddaughter, Francesca Maria Vannucci.

Joe is the best example of a life well-lived with a passion for family and friends. There will be a celebration of life and funeral at a later date in Bethel, CT and in Palm City, FL. In remembrance of Joe, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary School in Bethel, CT. Joe was a big believer and supporter of Catholic education. Joe served as a lunch "Mom" at St. Mary School for many years while Katie and Molly were students there. It was there that Joe earned the greatest nickname ever, "Big Thunder". https://www.stmarybethelct.org/AnnualFundPg.htm

Joe will remain forever in our hearts.