Obituary of Vincent A. Mucci

Vincent A. Mucci "Jimmy" Elmira: Age 83, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Jimmy was born in Elmira on November 24, 1928, a son of Carmine and Maria (Novellino) Mucci. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years Tekla Mysnyk Mucci. Jimmy is also survived by daughter Bernadette M. Toombs of Owego NY; granddaughters, Elizabeth (Christopher) Gray of Ashfield MA, and Sarah (Christopher) Cote of Colorado Springs CO; great granddaughters, Katrina Marie, Morgan Jade and Kaylie Mae Cote; great grandson to be (Elizabeth's son); twin sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Roy Rohlin of Elmira; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Irene Mucci of Elmira; sisters-in-law, Margaret Laura Mysnyk of Vestal, Betty Lewis of Horseheads, and Anna Kamas of Elmira; along with several nieces and nephews. Jimmy was predeceased by his sister Philamina D'Ambrosio and he also had a brother who passed away as a young child before Jimmy was born, whose name was also Vincent. Jimmy was a U.S. Army veteran. A well known shoe repairman in the Elmira area, he operated Jimmie's Shoe Repair for over 60 years. Jimmy and Tekla loved to travel. They have cruised to the Panama Canal, Greece, the Caribbean, and Alaska, made trips to Hawaii and Europe, including several trips to visit family in Italy, a place that Jimmy always wanted to see again. Jimmy liked to "tinker" around the house and was always known to keep a well trimmed lawn. He was a member of the Italian American Veterans Club. For the past several years Jimmy and Tekla felt a passion to help revitalize Eldridge Park, with the support of their entire, and extended, family. The idea blossomed with donations from friends and area residents who recalled fond childhood, and young adult, memories of Eldridge Park. Because of this effort there are now forty willow, and other varieties of trees, planted thanks to contributors from across the entire United States. In addition there is an antique jukebox, donated by the Jimmy Mucci Family, in the dance floor area of the former "whip ride". Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of W. Water and Walnut Streets, on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Elmira. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember Jimmy with a donation to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning NY 14830, Eldridge Park Preservation Society, 96 Eldridge Park Drive, Elmira NY 14901, or a charity of their choice. The officers and members of the IAV will conduct a prayer service at McInerny Funeral Home, Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. for our departed comrade, Jimmy Mucci. Signed, Gino Dunn Commander