Robert Pucci

Mr. Pucci was my 6th grade history teacher. He was one my favorite teachers! I have still talked about his to this day. History was a tough subject for me and he would always help me and take the extra time to make sure that I understood it. He truly cared for his students! I hope he knew that he made a huge difference in so many lives!

About 42 years ago, Mr. Pucci welcomed this timid, anxious, constantly crying little 6 year old into his combo K-2nd grade class in the P.A.L.S. Program at Walnut Grove Elementary. Mr. Pucci, Mrs. Bourg, Mrs. Lanto-Murray, and Mrs. Nix ran the most spectacular elementary program I have ever seen. However, I was absolutely terrified of going to school, and Mr. Pucci worked very hard at helping me feel confident. He taught me how to write, how to add and subtract large numbers, and how to throw a football. By the end of first grade, he was holding me while flying down the waterslides at Shadow Cliffs-something my introverted engineer dad would never have done. It was exhilarating! He told fabulous stories about wind surfing and a spooky one about a monkey claw that kept reappearing. In later years, while I did my graduate school student teaching Mr. Pucci advised me on marriage when I was considering an engagement to my husband. He had a way of helping me overcome my doubts and fears and launch into an adventure. He pushed me to take risks. He didn´t treat me like some delicate girl who couldn´t or shouldn´t run, play, fight, or get messy. He told his class to take action-"Don´t pass go, don´t collect $200"-get started! (His constant monopoly joke). His positive influence on so many kids lives is hard to comprehend. I´m so grateful for how he influenced my life and was such an incredible role model. Thank you, Mr. Pucci! -Laura (Griffith) Cain

Over the last 15 years I was privileged to play golf with Bob 3 days a week. There are many memories on the golf course, but most of my talks with Bob took place after golf, many times we spent hours having a beer just talking about life in general. What I learned and know about Bob is that he was a very thoughtful and empathetic man who enjoyed and experienced life fully. It is easy to see why he was an exceptional educator, his ability to listen and interact with people was special. RIP, Bob.

My brother and I were reminiscing about Elementary school a few weeks ago and Mr. Pucci's name came up. He was our 4th grade teacher, and our absolute favorite. I wasn't a great student, but Mr. Pucci had a way of making each and every kid feel special.

Every Friday, if you earned enough points through the week, you could pick a prize. I only remember two of the options. The first was you could go to the teacher's lounge and get a soda. That was super cool, but not as cool as the second option that I remember, which was a small photo of Mr. Pucci. I had my photo of Mr. Pucci for a very long time.

He was a wonderful man who truly inspired me to try hard in school. I'm grateful that he was a part of my life.

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Such a sweet man, he is greatly missed

Bob Pucci & I were friends for some 45 years.We met at a single ski club (Botta Baggers) in Pleasanton, Ca. Bob enjoyed all sports, so we played lots of golf, as well as water & snow sports as well! When Bob met Janice we played lots of couples golf! Bob & Janice traveled all over the west coast playing different courses and Sharon & I went on several golf trips with them. The two of them have probably played more golf courses and skied more mountains, than anyone I know! We enjoyed many dinners at the Puccis', including Thanksgiving, Xmas, & New Years. They were both very good cooks!
Bob was at our wedding & we were at theirs! In 2001 Sharon & I moved to Lake Wildwood and in 2007 they moved up as well
Bob & I were in the same golf group, that played 3 days a week since that time.
Bob was very involved with our 18 hole golf club, and served one year as President. It was a great friendship and he will be greatly missed!
Dick & Sharon Kramer

Mr. Pucci was my 5th grade teacher. I will never forget that he planned our Science Camp and took us to Yosemite! We experienced real camping and hiking and that trip was the start of a love for exploring the wilderness for me. He was patient and kind and I was lucky to have been one of his students.

He was loved by his students and respected by his fellow educators! Bob had an open and friendly approach to teaching. Students felt cared for and comfortable! Bob was a leader among his peers and offered valuable leadership to any educational program he was involved with! Bob was a person that others looked up to and respected!

I met Bob almost 60 years ago. Our families went on to be neighbors at Lake Tulloch. Bob was one of the finest men I have ever known. He was kind, generous, fun, intelligent and so much more. Our years of friendship were precious to me and all of the Buettner clan.

Bob will live on in all of our hearts.