David J. Bucciarelli's Obituary
David J. Bucciarelli, 78, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Dave, son of George Bucciarelli and Jean Lofthouse, was born July 16, 1946. He spent his formative years in Philadelphia, his professional life in Ocean City and Seaville, New Jersey, and his well-earned retirement in Fort Myers, Florida with his wife of 55 years, Carol (née Rossi), with him every step of the way since their marriage in 1969.
After attending Frankford High School in Northeast Philly, Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for four years, where he served honorably and with distinction, as an electrician in the Air Wing. Stationed first at various bases around the country, he completed his enlistment in Vietnam, where he declined a promotion to Staff Sergeant to start his post-military life.
Following their marriage, Dave and Carol decided to take their show down to the shore, moving to Cape May County, NJ in 1973, where they lived for the next 38 years. In 1981, it was time to start a family. Enter Nicole Elizabeth, and Dave had his little girl. Adam David came along 2 years later, and now Dave and Carol had their completed family. Little did they know the dance competitions, band rehearsals, and shows that awaited them.
Dave was a people person, a salesman, and a politician of the best kind, known for an easy smile, infectious laugh, and a firm handshake. He was a family man, hard worker, and a dedicated public servant, balancing it all and letting no one down.
He joined the Ocean City Masonic lodge in the mid 1970s and became Past Master in the early 1980s. He was a well-respected and dedicated member of the Masonic community, and cherished his volunteer work with Shriners Hospitals for Children. As a natural leader, he also served as President of his local Zoning and Planning Boards.
In 1992, Dave decided he wanted to serve the public again, this time in politics. He sat on the Upper Township Committee until 2003, and served as Mayor for a term during that time. Dave's lasting legacy is to the children of Upper. In addition to his duties as a committeeman, he was the Head of the Recreation Department responsible for the establishment of Amanda's Field Recreational Facility, where his grandchildren would eventually play many soccer and baseball games. Dave was also instrumental in the opening of a new Town Hall, as well as the Township's Community Center, where his name still adorns its walls.
Dave excelled in the real estate business at the Jersey Shore, establishing several offices and utilizing his leadership skills as President of the Board of Realtors. With Carol alongside as his co-owner and colleague, they opened their first office in Ocean City, NJ in the late 1970s - Island Real Estate. He had a fruitful career over the years and spent over a decade as partner and broker of record at RE/MAX of Ocean City before retiring.
Dave loved his Philly sports teams (Go Birds!), boating and fishing, and especially spending time with his loved ones and many friends. In retirement, he kept busy with archery, golf, pickleball, fishing, and even joined a bowling team (The Fireballs!).
Predeceased by his sister Barbara, and nephew George, he is survived by his loving wife Carol, children Nikki Mason (Carl) and Adam Bucciarelli, adoring grandchildren, Gregory and Kiki, and niece Jennifer Archibald.
Interment will be at Sarasota National Cemetery and will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Dave's name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) to support America's first responders and military heroes.
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