Obituary: Thomas R. Raucci, 79, of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT - (From Porto Funeral Home) Thomas R. Raucci, 79, of West Haven passed away March 25, 2022 in Yale New Haven Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Husband of the late RoseMarie Coppola Raucci.

Beloved father of Gina Raucci and fiance' Richard Goulart of East Haven, Richelle Virzi and Dina (Chris) Jones all of West Haven. Cherished grandfather of Frank and Thomas Virzi, Tyler and Evan Jones. Brother of Mary (Joseph) Brazey of South Carolina and Michael Raucci of Hamden.

Brother-in-law of Dominic Coppola and his wife Kathy Cassell of West Haven. Tom was born in New Haven on December 3, 1942 a son of the late Thomas and Lucy Ciaburri Raucci.

Prior to his retirement Tom owned TR Carpet Service for many years. He also worked for and later retired from the United States Postal Service after the 20 years of service as a mail carrier.

Tom worked as an usher at Quinnipiac University and a beach constable in West Haven. Tom was a sports enthusiast. He loved watching and rooting for his favorite teams, the New York Yankees and the New York Rangers.

In 1966, Tom joined the IAABO Board 10 and began his career of officiating basketball at both the high school and college levels. In 2010, he joined NHFOA as a clock operator.

Being a member of each of these organizations brought great joy and great friendships. Tom was his happiest when he was with his family and friends.

He enjoyed sitting by the pool, trips to casino and Disney World, Engelbert concerts and anything his four grandsons were doing.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven Tuesday morning at 9:30.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. John the XXIII Parish at St. Louis Church in West Haven at 10:00. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Friends may call MONDAY from 4:00-7:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Haven Football Officials Charity, 22 Beach Shore Dr., Milford, CT 06460.