In Loving Memory of Fr. Vittorio (Victor) R. Tucci

Born May 28th, 1942 in Syracuse, New York and passed peacefully on December 5th, 2024 in Montreal, QC.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fr. Vittorio Tucci, a beloved priest, compassionate human being and man of faith and culture. He was ordained in Syracuse, NY on May 16, 1969, and dedicated over 45 years to serving the Montreal English Catholic community.

Fr. Tucci’s ministry in Montreal began in 1974 as a school chaplain and assistant pastor at Laval’s Holy Name of Jesus Parish. In 1986, he was appointed pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Ville-Émard.  Beyond his parish responsibilities, he served as a pastoral animator for the Montreal Catholic School Commission, guiding students at Pius IX, Lester B. Pearson, John F. Kennedy, Vincent Massey, James Lyng, and Marymount high schools and later, as a spiritual community animator for the English Montreal School Board.

Fr. Tucci was commited to helping the most vulnerable, serving on the board of directors for Nazareth House (now Hadley Community), ministering to those with AIDS and tirelessly working to uplift the poor, the unhoused, and all those in need. Open and accepting of all people and religions, he embodied the spirit of inclusivity and acceptance.

After his retirement in 2020, he also continued to provide occasional ministry at Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Westmount.

Fr. Tucci was a great conversationalist and a wonderful dinner guest sharing his deep knowledge of art, history, film, good wine, global politics and world events.  His sharp wit, remarkable sense of humor and interest in others endeared him to all who knew him. He cherished his friendships and found joy in the simple and profound moments shared with those he held dear.

Fr. Tucci is fondly remembered as "Ron" by his younger siblings, Thomas Anthony (Barbara) and Lisa. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his niece Denise (Charles), nephew Michael (Janette), and five grandnieces and grandnephews: Christopher, Emma, Alexander, Dominic, and Giana.

He is also remembered by his many friends in Montreal and Syracuse, including Diane and Armand, Frances and Orlando, Don and Miriam, Rick and Maria and the late Alain.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the organization of your choice.

Below is a passage from the scriptures embodying who Fr. Tucci was and how he lived his life, truly a people’s priest.

Matthew Chapter 25, Verses 34-40

34-Then the king will say to those on his right hand, “Come, blessed of my Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35-For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in;

36- naked, and you covered me; sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.

37- Then the just, will answer him, saying, “Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and feed thee, or thirsty and gave thee to drink?

38- And when did we see thee a stranger, and take thee in; or naked, and clothe thee?

39- Or when did we see thee sick, or in prison, and come to thee?”

40- And answering the king will say to them,

Matthew 25:40

“AMEN I SAY TO YOU, AS LONG AS YOU DID IT FOR ONE OF THESE, THE LEAST OF MY BRETHREN, YOU DID IT FOR ME.”