[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF CHIEF JOSEPH V. PUCCI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Joseph V. Pucci, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, 
United States veteran and retired tire chief for the City of Brooklyn, 
Ohio. Chief Pucci lived life with an unwavering commitment to family, 
community and country.
  The son of Italian immigrants, Chief Pucci was raised in Brooklyn, 
Ohio, and called Brooklyn home his entire life. He was drafted into the 
U.S. Army in 1943 and served with honor and courage. He survived combat 
as an infantryman in North Africa and Italy and was awarded the Purple 
Heart for injuries he suffered in Anzio. Chief Pucci was also honored 
with the Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Combat 
Infantryman's Badge. After the war, he began working for the City of 
Brooklyn as a bus driver and service department worker. In 1951, he 
began working as a firefighter. Nine years later he was appointed to 
role of fire chief. For the next thirty years, he served as leader of 
the Brooklyn Fire Department with excellence, integrity and dedication. 
He retired in 1990. Chief Pucci's commitment to the safety of residents 
was unparalleled. He led many initiatives that strengthened the entire 
department, including an effort to establish the first state-certified 
paramedic program in Ohio's history.
  The only thing that eclipsed Chief Pucci's dedication to community 
safety was his devotion to his family. In 1949, he met and married Lois 
McCormick. Together, they raised their children Theresa, Frank and 
Joseph. A devoted husband; father; father-in-law to Darwin, Kathleen 
and Kitty; and grandfather to Nicol, Marlo, Joseph, Francesco, Michael 
and Kevin; Chief Pucci's family was the foundation, joy and strength of 
his life. Reserved, humble and kind, Chief Pucci was known for his 
generous heart and willingness to help others whenever and wherever 
needed.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Joseph V. Pucci, whose life was lived with great joy, love and in 
service to others. I offer my deepest condolences to his beloved 
family, extended family and many friends. His legacy of devotion to the 
safety of the citizens of Brooklyn, and his love of family and friends 
will be forever remembered.

                          ____________________