Antonio Frucci

Antonio Rocco “Tony” Frucci, age 89 years of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 11:15, p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 with his family gathered around at his home following an illness.

He was born on February 4, 1927 in Filadelfia, Italy to Frank and Catherine (Mazzotta) Frucci, coming to the United States, and to Niles in 1930. He was graduated from Niles High School, and enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to the Headquarters Publication section, operating a multilith printer, and was discharged as a Corporal, and a Veteran of World War II. He returned to Niles, and began a career with the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company, retiring as Superintendent of the printing plant following 48 ½ years.

Tony was a member of the Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles. He was a great fan of the game of golf, was a founding member of the Hampshire Country Club in Dowagiac, Michigan where he carded 3 holes-in-one, was the 1955 City Champion at Plym Park Golf Course, and had begun to take his great-grandsons out to golf. He also bowled on area leagues, and was a regular member of a weekly game of cards that was hosted at members’ homes.

On November 19, 1966 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles he married the former Pauline (Gillen) Hathcoat with whom he celebrated last year the Forty-ninth anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Polly Frucci; step-children Harry “Skip” (& Joanne) Hathcoat of Niles and Sandra (& William) Stafford of Greenville, South Carolina; grandchildren Amy (& Jeff) Rudlaff and Amanda Buffington; great-grandchildren Tate Rudlaff and Drew Rudlaff; and Tony’s sister Carmella (& Daniel) Konkey of Niles, and several nieces and nephews.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents and by his sisters, Barbara Chmiel and Anna Franz.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Tony Frucci will be celebrated at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 by the Rev. Christian Johnston of the parish assisted by Deacon Roger Gregorski. Committal Rites will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Niles, and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with recitation of The Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Tony made to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085.