Vito S. Cucchiara, 93 of Tewksbury, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 with his loving family by his side. He was the husband of Giuseppa (Peraino) Cucchiara with whom he would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this month.
He was born on August 11, 1931, in the coastal town of Hammam-Lif, Tunisia to the late Girolamo and Maria (Barraco) Cucchiara. He spent his early years in Hammam-Lif on a family run fruit farm until the age of 9, when his family moved to San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily. He remained in Sicily until he was 18, at which point he immigrated to the United States. Initially, he settled in the North End. He travelled back to San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily where met his future wife in his early 30s. He later moved to Somerville before finally making his home in Tewksbury for over 55 years.
Vito was a dedicated union laborer with Local 22 for over 60 years, proudly serving as a steward within the union. He worked on construction sites such as the first and second levels of the Burlington Mall, the Boston Holocaust Memorial and Deer Island treatment plant. He had a passion for gardening, nurturing both vegetables and flowers, with a special love for roses. He also found great joy in cooking and had an appreciation for opera. Above all, Vito cherished his family, embodying the role of a loving, strong, and protective father.
In addition to his wife, Giuseppa of Tewksbury, he is survived by his daughters, Maria (Cucchiara) Bertolaccini and her husband, Ronald of Derry, NH, Vivian Cucchiara of Tewksbury, and Lidia (Cucchiara) Tellier and her husband, Justin Peter of Dracut; his grandchildren, Luigi, Michael, Natalie and Julia; and his nephew, Donato Errante of Italy.
He was also the brother of the late Antonia (Cucchiara) Errante and the late Caterina Cucchiara and brother in-law to Calogero Errante.
At his request, his funeral services were held privately.