He was the co-founder of the Pasta House Company, and an influential civic booster whose career ranged across the public life of St. Louis for more than half a century. He was a high school teacher and a soccer coach. He worked at Tony’s Restaurant, and then built his own successful restaurant chain. He introduced Cardinals outfielder and broadcaster Mike Shannon to the steakhouse business.

Tucci raised money for charity and served as a professional auctioneer and public speaker. With his wife, Sharon, he was a regular feature in society-page photos.

In the 1980s, Tucci was a close adviser to then-Mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl, Jr. and served as a Democratic committeeman. He remained involved with politics until the end of his life.

Tucci loved St. Louis. “He was our city’s biggest booster,” according to Mayor Lyda Krewson. In 2016, Tucci stood up for St. Louis as the Rams were preparing to move back to Photo courtesy of Wayne Crosslin – STL Post-Dispatch Los Angeles.

He was president of the Missouri Athletic Club and also the St. Louis Ambassadors. He was the Chairman of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission. He received many awards and honors from various civic, business, and charitable organizations. He was presented with more than 25 Man of the Year Awards.

He was inducted into the St. Louis University Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame, and the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.

Tucci was born in St. Louis in 1941, and died in St. Louis in 2019 at the age of 78.