Michael Tucchio

Lyme — Michael Anthony Tucchio, 84, of Lyme passed away at home surrounded by his loving family Feb. 8, 2021. He was born July 22, 1936, in New London to Michael and Palma Tucchio, the oldest of three brothers. Michael was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara, and brother Richard. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen; his daughters, Teresa, Danna and Noelle; brother Edward; four grandchildren; and numerous cousins.

He was a New London High School graduate and received his associate degree from Hartford State Technical College. He also earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ph.D. in the mechanical engineering field from the University of Connecticut. He began his career at Electric Boat and continued on to the Naval Underwater Systems Center (NUSC). While at NUSC, he rode on many submarine sea trials, designed various pieces of equipment and held several patents. Prior to retirement, he was honored with the Decibel Award for his engineering career achievements. He was also an adjunct professor at Mitchell College. After he retired, he established his own company called Creative Technologies for the development and advancement of alternative fuel vehicles.

His life was filled with a love for music, outdoors and his family. He sang with the Lyme Village Voices and enjoyed playing piano and organ. Music always filled his heart. He competed in bike and road races and the canoe segment of several relay races. He biked through Glacier National Park, enjoyed scuba diving and hiked in the Green Mountains and Alaska’s Chilkoot Trail. He traveled through all 50 states and European countries and often took his RV to vacation in Acadia and Florida. He was a great supporter of his daughters’ athletic events, from rowing regattas, to cross country meets and volleyball games. He attended his grandchildren’s music concerts, BMX races and birthday parties.

Michael was the man who taught us the importance of family. He taught us that when things get tough, just take one step at a time. He taught us compassion by setting an abundance of examples. Michael was the man whose laughter and love for music always filled our hearts. He will continue to teach us even now that he is gone. He touched the lives of many people, and we were blessed to have known him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice Care.

Family is asked to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb.

17, in St. Mary Star of the

Sea Church, 10 Huntington

St., New London. Due to the ongoing pandemic, visiting hours and interment services are private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, has been entrusted with his care. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.legacy.com/ obituaries/theday.