Orrie Tucker

Orrie Tucker FRAMINGHAM Orrie Tucker, 80, a longtime resident of Framingham, died Thursday, April 17, 2008, at MetroWest Medical Center. He was the husband of Catherine (Mitchell) Tucker for 45 years. Born in Framingham, he was a son of the late Mancer and Irene (Tucker) Tucker. A graduate of Framingham High School with the Class of 1946, he served as class president and captain of the Flyer Football Squad. Mr. Tucker worked as a youth with his father at the family farmstand in Framingham. A decorated veteran of the U.S. Army Airborne Rangers, he served continuously from 1946 until his honorable discharge in 1959. A veteran of two combat tours in Korea, Mr. Tucker earned the combat infantry streamer, the Bronze Arrowhead and the Bronze Star for the first parachute jump behind enemy lines at Munsan-ni. His service continued through 1953 with a non-combat role in Korea and stateside in Nevada, where he helped in govenment atomic testing, which, according to published reports, caused many cases of cancer in military personnel. Returning home after his military service, Mr. Tucker worked as a self-employed tax preparer, primarily from his home. An avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, he enjoyed gardening and cooking, fishing locally and vacationing in Nova Scotia. In addition to his wife, he leaves a son, Orrie M. Tucker and his wife, Mary, of Auburn; and two grandchildren, Emmitt J. Tucker and Ahlea R. Tucker; a brother, Donald Tucker of Boston; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Grover, Earl, Bert, Mancer, Ella, Julia, Lelia and Evelyn Tucker and Royal, Sherman, Samuel and Corrine Bolling. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. at Boyle Brothers Funeral Home, 173 Union Ave., Framingham, with the Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in the soldier's lot at Edgell Grove Cemetery, Grove Street, Framingham. Visiting hours are Monday, April 21, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial donations be made in his name to Veteran's Outreach Center, c/o Bruce Linnell, 255 Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752.