Stephen Cucchiara

Lt. Colonel Stephen Cucchiara of Woodbridge, Virginia passed away March 31, 2025, at the age of 82.
Stephen was born on March 21, 1943 to Stephano and Agnes (Zaloga) Cucchiara. He attended Freehold Regional High School and graduated in 1961. Prior to being drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps, he attended Steven's Institute of Technology, later receiving a bachelor's degree from East Carolina University, in Greenville, North Carolina, and additionally earning a master's degree in Computer Information Systems from American University in Washington, DC. In later life, Stephen provided civic service to the Woodbridge community as President of their Knights of Columbus chapter.
Steve proudly served in the Marine Corp for 22 years, quickly moving up the ranks after enlisting. While in bootcamp, he was awarded "Top Marine" honors and offered an Officer Candidate position. After becoming an Officer, Steve was a bombardier navigator in the A-6 program and served in Vietnam. After Vietnam, he was stationed in a number of places, including Hawaii (his favorite tour!) and Okinawa, Japan. Prior to Steve's retirement in 1988 from the Marine Corps, he spent much of his later career at Marine Headquarters in Quantico, VA as Branch Head, Deputy Director of MCCDPA (Marine Corps Combat & Development Assessment Program).
Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and spent the last 10+ years navigating its difficult challenges. He ultimately succumbed to a common symptom of PD: difficulty swallowing and choking. And with that, God did not want Steve to suffer any longer and called him home.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, his high-school sweetheart Patricia (Yapps) Cucchiara. He is also survived by his son, Jeffrey Cucchiara, of VA; his brother, Thomas Cucchiara, of Freehold, NJ and his sister, Antoinette (Toni) Bradford, of Halifax, MA. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Theresa DiMauro and her husband Rick; nieces Brianna Pickle, her husband Robbie and their two children and Kaylie Penko and husband Luke; and nephew Bryce Yapps and wife Jenna. He also leaves behind many friends who love him and will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Steve's favorite charities: St. Jude’s, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, or Prince William Animal Rescue Center/any other animal rescue organizations.
A Visitation will be held Monday, April 14, 2025, at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home at 4143 Dale Blvd., Dale City, VA. Interment will take place at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle VA on a date to be determined.