WEST WARWICK — Father Richard A. Bucci, 76, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, West Warwick, died on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Armand and Mary (Corvese) Bucci, and he attended St. Ann School in Providence.
In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick, Providence College, and at the Pontifical North American College, Rome.
He was ordained a priest on July 2, 1973 at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, by Bishop James A. Hickey.
Following ordination to the priesthood, Father Bucci served as assistant pastor of St. Teresa Parish, Providence (1972-82); Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Providence (1982-83); St. Mary Parish, Bristol (1983-85); St. Mary Parish, Cranston (1985-88); and St. Rose of Lima Parish, Warwick (1988-93).
In 1993, Father Bucci was appointed Administrator of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, West Warwick, and served there until 2001.
Father was named Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, West Warwick in 2001, and remained pastor until his death.
Father Bucci is survived by a brother, Robert S. Bucci; a nephew, Ryan Bucci; a niece, Rebecca Bucci; great nephews, Thomas and Daniel Bucci and Benjamin Black; sister-in-law, Margaret Bucci.
A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of Father’s soul was offered on March 27, at Sacred Heart Church, with interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.
