Obituary

Nello A. Luccini, Sr., 96, a lifelong Franklin resident, and the oldest resident of Cottage street, died Friday, February 11, 2011 at the Franklin Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, following a long period of declining health. He was the beloved husband of Josephine (Martello) Luccini for over 70 years.

Born in Franklin, June 23, 1914, a son of the late Louis and Stella (Bassignani) Luccini, he was raised and educated in Franklin and retired from Benny's Oil Co. in Franklin where he worked for more than 50 years.

In his younger days, Mr. Luccini was a stand out athlete. He excelled in baseball, and was a pitcher first with the Clar-Macs and then Benny's Oilers. Known as "Iron Man", he played semi pro baseball, and traveled around the country. He was also one of the original founding fathers of the Franklin Little League program.

A lifelong Red Sox fan, he also enjoyed spending time with his family, his garden, fishing and hockey. He was a lifetime communicant of St. Mary's Church.

He is survived by his wife, 2 sons: Nello Luccini Jr. and his wife Susan (Swenson) Luccini of Franklin, Robert Luccini of Franklin, his daughter-in-law: Katherine (Kinsella) Luccini of Franklin, 6 grandchildren: Michael & Lisa (Ronca) Luccini, Brian & Kim (Burchard) Luccini, Cheryl and Beth Luccini, Derek and Chrissy (Stockberger) Luccini, and Denise Luccini, 9 great grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, Christina, Molly, Noah and Alex Luccini, Marissa, Bethy and Christopher Palladini. A niece: Stella Frascotti, and a nephew Louis Frascotti and his wife Rachela.

He was the father of the late L. Gary Luccini who died in 2001 and the brother of the late Rheta Frascotti.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Tuesday at 9:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street, www.oterifuneralhome.com with a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church at 10:00AM. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday 4 - 8PM.

Donations in his memory sent to Friends of Franklin Elders, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038, would be appreciated.