Michael Joseph Pucci

Dr. Michael Joseph Pucci, 43, passed away on November 4, 2024, after a courageous seven-year battle with colorectal cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, including his four-legged buddy, Oliver.
Michael was born on November 7, 1980, in Abington, Pennsylvania, to Nicholas J. Pucci and the late Marguerite Pucci (née Romendio). He was raised in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania alongside his older sister, Kristy; younger brother, Nicholas (Nicky); and cousin Donald (Donny). Michael attended St. David's Catholic Grade School where he was introduced to his best friends and his love for soccer. He was a proud graduate of La Salle College High School's class of 1999, and went on to earn his B.S in Biomathematics from the University of Scranton in 2003. He was a valued member of Scranton's men's soccer team, becoming a team captain in his senior year.
Michael continued his academic journey by earning his Medical Degree from Jefferson Medical College in 2007. He then completed his general surgery residency at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City and at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Michael remained at Jefferson to pursue a fellowship in Advanced Gastrointestinal, Hepatopancreaticobiliary, and Minimally Invasive Surgery, ultimately joining the faculty in 2013. Dr. Pucci was known for his unwavering commitment to patient care, his technical skill, and his passion for teaching. He was a devoted educator and mentor, fostering a culture that profoundly impacted all those he trained and worked with. His professional legacy will continue through those surgeons whose training he contributed to.
It was at Jefferson that Michael met his wife, Dr. Talar Tatarian. Together, they built a beautiful life, rooted in love, courage, hope, and unshakeable certainty of communion. Recently, Michael's greatest pride was becoming a father to his two children, Michael (3) and Serli (9 months), who brought him immense joy. Michael's love for his family was unwavering, and he found deep meaning in being a husband and father. Above all else, Michael's life was characterized by his deep appreciation for and commitment to what really matters in life: family, friends, and selfless contributions to others. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh and beautiful smile, love-hate relationship with the Philadelphia Flyers, humble demeanor, excellent taste in music, comfortable (and consistent) wardrobe, passion for the guitar, and love of a good home cooked meal surrounded by family and friends.
Michael is preceded in death by his mother, Marguerite "Margy" Pucci ("The General" and fellow middle-child). He is survived by his beloved wife, Talar; his children, Mikey and Serli; his father, Nicholas Pucci; his sister, Kristy Pucci, and brother-in-law, Geoff Kahler; his brother, Nicky Pucci; his cousin/brother, Donny Porter; his parents-in-law, Kevork and Suzi Tatarian; his sister-in-law, Sosy Tatarian; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.
Michael's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and service to others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to honor his memory on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
9:30am-11:00am: Visitation (public), Saint David Roman Catholic Church, 316 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA
11:00am-12:00pm: Funeral Mass (public), Saint David Roman Catholic Church, 316 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA
12:30pm: Interment (private, immediate family only), Saint Patrick's Cemetery, 2400 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA
1:00pm: Memorial Luncheon (public), William Penn Inn, 1017 Dekalb Pike, Ambler, PA
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Michael Pucci may be made to:
Jefferson Surgery Resident Education (www.Jefferson.edu/GiveSurgery) or Jefferson Oncology Patient Services (www.Jefferson.edu/GiveSKCC)