Obituary of John Tucker

John was called peacefully home on Saturday where he was met in heaven by his wife Berniece (Jackie Vibbert) Tucker, his parents Nick and Katherine (Lombardo) Tucker, and his grandchildren Kelly and Johnny Tucker.  He is also preceded in death by several other extended family members.

John was an only child, born into a large Italian family filled with love and a rich heritage. His grandfather came to this country from Minturno Naples, Italy in 1900.  His cousin Mary Catherine said even though they were only children as cousins they loved each other as any brother and sister. John was a wonderful father to Nick Tucker of Avon, John and Mary (Foley) Tucker of South Bend, Jeff and Lorri (Root) Tucker of Indianapolis, Kim (Tucker) and James Sarabyn of Indianapolis.  He has 7 grandchildren, Brittany (Tucker) and 1st Sergeant Joshua Brown, USMC of NC, Lauren Tucker of MI, Matthew Sarabyn of IN, Abigail Sarabyn of IN, Alexandra Tucker of IN, Kimberlee and Brandi Tucker of MN and step-grandson Justin and Consuelo (Cordero) Stump of IN, step-granddaughter Christy McNerney, of MI.  John was also blessed to have 7 great-grandchildren.

The Indianapolis Conservatory of Music presented him with 2 diplomas in 1947 for “Harmony and Arranging Course”.  John spent his free time coaching baseball with his sons in the Chet Waggoner Little League and Babe Ruth League in his younger days.  He was also involved in the Irish Youth Hockey League as well. John was a First Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3682. John served as an Usher for many years at Saint Christopher Church in Speedway, IN.  In his spare time, he enjoyed music, golfing, and bowling.  John lived in South Bend 37 years where he owned the Tucker Shoe Repair Service in Mishawaka, IN.

The family would like to thank IU West, Heart to Heart Hospice and Eagle Valley Meadows for their care and compassion during the past 2 months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.