Vincent J. Cocucci

YOUNGSTOWN - Vincent Cocucci, age 67, died Saturday, July 27, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Vince was born on December 21, 1956 to the late Ralph and Gloria (Arquilla) Cocucci and was a lifelong resident of Youngstown, Ohio.

Vince was a 1975 graduate of Ursuline and attended YSU. He was a talented baseball player on area youth teams. Vince was an avid reader, sports enthusiast, history and trivia buff, and die-hard New York Yankees fan. He retired after working for various area companies. Vince may best be remembered as longtime owner of Youngstown's iconic Empire Club and was affectionately known as "Vinnie" by patrons. 

Vince is survived by: his beloved daughter, Gabrielle Cocucci of Wexford, PA; his companion, Holly Wallace; and his sisters, Lori (Will) Bagnola of Vandalia,OH., Linda (Bert) Ziccardi of Monroeville, PA., and Judith Cocucci (Michael Reagan) of Jensen Beach, FL. He also leaves: nieces, Angeline, Francesca and Camille; great-nephews, who always made him smile; aunt, Norma Parks; and many fun-loving cousins and friends. Vince's "I love you all," at each goodbye is forever etched in our hearts. 

His family wishes to thank Vince's care team at UPMC's Hillman Cancer Center and the medical staff of UPMC Shadyside ICU for their excellence and compassion.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in Vince's memory at 11:00 am Friday, August 2, 2024 at St. Luke's Church in Boardman. Friends and family will be received 9:30 am to 10:50 am in the church. 

Arrangements are by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel. This obituary can be shared and condolences sent to the family by visiting www.higgins-reardon.com 

Words of Remembrance from Vince's loving daughter, Gabrielle: 

Vincent was a man that got lost in the world of books, he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Vince was incredibly smart but not boastful or pretentious about it. Most anyone he met liked him, he was charming like that, a very likable-down to earth person. He was a man that was humble and would talk to and help anyone he could when needed. He was a gentle man, brilliant, and silly. He didn’t take life too seriously, except if something was really needed to be taken seriously. He was always strong for those he loved and himself. When he said something he meant it. He gave the world love, a soothing relaxing spirit, humor in the form of silly little jokes, intelligence, and happiness. He never gave up for those he loved, or on them. He had a fighting spirit and never gave up. Vince was a gift to this world and will be missed, but he won’t be forgotten by those who had the pleasure of getting to meet him. He was real, he was here, he was special, and the world is a better place for it. But most of all he is and will always be loved and remembered.