Mr. Stephen M. Trucco

As I sit here trying to figure out what to write, I struggle with the daunting task of how to fit 83 amazing years of life well-lived into a few paragraphs that by the way, are expensive as hell to publish in the Stockton Record.

My Dad was an icon; larger than life to me, and so many other friends and family members. He never met a stranger, rarely had an unkind word to say about anyone (although, there were a few), and was truly one of the kindest people any of us reading this has ever met, or will ever meet. His love of life was unmatched. He was never one to stay home or miss a good time. Even up until the last couple of weeks, when Judy would ask him if they could just stay home, he would say, “Babe, someday we’ll have to stay home.”

I’ve often referred to my Dad as a “Full Service” human being. I say this because over the course of his professional life, he was present for so many, in some of the most important times of their lives. For example, over the past 73 years, he has played his accordion and entertained at milestone events like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, baptisms, funerals…I think you get the picture. For 27 years, he delivered the mail to hundreds of homes and businesses on the Miracle Mile, making many lifelong friends and acquaintances along the way. And, for the better part of the last 27 years, he has been the person at many people’s funerals, representing DeYoung’s Memorial Chapel, and providing that type of comforting care, reassuring demeanor, and kind words that only Steve Trucco could provide. He’d entertain you, bring you your most important documents, and provide your end-of-life care – if that ain’t full service, I don’t what is.

My Dad was extremely proud of his Italian Heritage. Born a first generation American to Mario and Lena Trucco, he was raised by immigrants, surrounded by other immigrants and taught the ways of the old world. Steve personified “being Italian”. He was loud and obnoxious, had more cousins and family members than he could count, and was an amazing cook. He loved having people over to his house for meals and friendship, barely letting you get through the door before offering you a “Highball”. Most of the time, it was more like badgering you to have a “Highball”, but of course, always with love. He was honored to be part of many Italian Clubs including the Liguria Nel Mondo, Italian Gardeners Society, Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club, Berseglieri and the Pacific Italian Alliance. He was formerly a member of the Italian Athletic Club in Stockton, and was always proud to tell the story that back in 1957, that the Chapter was founded in his Nonna Rosie’s basement on Ellis Street in Stockton. In 2011, my Dad was bestowed one of the greatest honors of his life (besides meeting Judy Burke-Trucco) when he was chosen by the Pacific Italian Alliance as the The Lucaccini Award recipient.

As I said before, music was an integral part of my Dad’s life. Beginning accordion lessons at 10 years old with John Pisacco, he studied hard to become a great musician and play the music that he heard at all the dances and basement parties during his youth. His practice sessions were diligently attended (more like strongly monitored for a good dance tempo) by his older sister, Eva Trucco Cress, who he lovingly referred to as “Jodge”. Over the next 73 years, Steve’s band, “Music by Steve Trucco”, had many members including Bobby Boggiano, Lefty Kvidera, Paul Boore, Harvey Addie, John Moreno, Bob Ford, Steve Carruesco, Dino Galleazzi, Dave Ianni, Mark Maier, Jesse Costa, and me, Michael Trucco. My apologies if I missed any others, however, I know how much every one of these men meant to my Dad.

Of all the aspects of Steve’s life discussed above, family was by far the most important. From his Aunts and Uncles, to all of his Avansino, Cortopassi, and Trucco cousins, he couldn’t have been prouder to know where he came from and be part of something special. He was also immensely blessed to love his grandchildren, Maximus, Chloe, Maverick, and Eva like no other Nonno could love. Nonno was at every special event – from traveling with the St. Mary’s Football team with Max, to never missing any of Chloe or Eva’s swim meets, and all the giant birthday parties thrown for Maverick at my sister’s house, Nonno was ever present.

We are absolutely heartbroken that he is gone. His love knew no bounds, and while it’s devastating to think that we will never be able to laugh with him again, or enjoy a “highball” together, or receive one of his famous hugs with a big fat kiss, we are left with his legacy that will live on forever. Steve’s profound effect on the people he loved, was acquainted with, or just met on the street for a few minutes, lives on in us, and the people who were closest to him. And while we will always have the memories of our Steve, our Dad, our Nonno, and while we will always think of him fondly and often, we don’t have to like that he’s gone…and we don’t. We love you Nonno – always and forever.

Judy, Michael, Lisa, Andrea, Vic, Amber, Maximus, Victoria, Chloe, Maverick, and Eva.

In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to Hospice of San Joaquin, or the charity of your choice.

A visitation for Stephen will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N California St, Stockton, California 95202. A rosary will occur Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 6:00 PM, 601 N California St, Stockton, California 95202. A mass of christian burial will occur Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Cathedral of the Annunciation, 400 W. Rose Street, Stockton, California. A committal will occur Thursday, September 8, 2022 at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, 719 E. Harding Way, Stockton, California.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deyoungmemorialchapel.com for the Trucco family.