Ralph “Kevin” Bucci, 71, of Belle Vernon, formerly of Monessen, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2022, in Jefferson Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a son of the late August “Augie” and Aila Maki Bucci. Kevin was a 1968 graduate of Monessen High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, First Infantry Division, “The Big Red One,” during the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart. He retired from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Allenport plant, after 40 years of employment. Kevin was an avid fisherman and hunter both in Pennsylvania and out of state. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Manns Choice, Pa., and taking his dogs to enjoy the great outdoors with him. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars in Shellsburg and a life member of the DAV. He was also a member of the American Legion in Belle Vernon and the Hungarian Club of Pricedale. A proud and loving husband, father and pap pap, Kevin was known for his quick wit, practical jokes and love of a good cigar and good chocolates. He was a great chef who loved cooking and grilling, and then sharing his culinary skills with his friends and family. He was always able to bring a smile to your face with his outgoing and engaging personality. Since his return from the service, Kevin always said he was “living on borrowed time,” but he certainly made the most of that “borrowed time” by spending it with his family and friends and sharing his love and that gregarious sense of humor with so many who will miss him. Left to cherish his memory and grieve his loss are his wife, Dianne “Dee Dee” Bucci; daughters, Rachel (Jeff) Santiago, Shawna (Justin) Bucci and Jennifer (Keith) Bucci; stepdaughter, Heather (Keith) Reidinger; stepson, Gordy (Rachelle) Eland; his former wife, Patty Bucci; grandchildren, Sunny and Holiday Santiago, Forrest Bucci-Gowan, Leo Lhoest, Ella, Adrian and Nora Reidinger and Shelby and Colby Eland; his faithful dogs, Shady and Dakota; and many other family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Vernon “Scott” Bucci; and his stepson, Matthew Eland. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC., 1209 Grand Blvd., Monessen, where friends will be welcomed from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2022. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 10 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Wayne Boring officiating. Entombment will follow in the Belle Vernon Cemetery Mausoleum. Online condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.rhomefuneralhome.com.
