Richard J. Forcucci, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018, in the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Diego, CA. He was born on June 3, 1944, in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Selo P. and Rose M. (Conjerti) Forcucci.
Richard graduated from both Niagara Falls High School and the X-Ray technician program at St. Mary's School of Nursing. He was an x-ray technologist at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY, Columbia Presbyertian Hospital in New York City, and with Bell Aerospace in Niagara Falls, NY, before moving to California where he continued working in the aeronautics field.
Richard was a very talented and accomplished Jazz musician specializing in the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He played at local establishments, frequenting the former Ontario House, and played with the likes of Richard Kermode, the organist for Janis Joplin.
He is survived by three daughters: Moria (Gerald) Scipione, Leanna (Steve Shepard) Forcucci, and Jennifer (Jonathan) Forcucci-Marzluf; four grandchildren: Faith, Hope, Lydia, and Benjamin; a sister, Janet (Joseph) Leone, a brother, James (late Sue) Forcucci; and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was the former husband of the late Cathleen (Gibb) Forcucci.
Richard's family will be present Saturday at 12-1 PM at St. Mary of the Cataract church, 259 4th Street, Niagara Falls, NY, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 PM, with Fr. Jacek P. Mazur officiating.
Memorials may be made in Richard's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.
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