CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Anthony Robert Cucinotta

Anthony Robert Cucinotta, 75, of Shawnee, Kansas, died peacefully on January 16, 2024, after a decline in his health.
Born in Riverside, NJ, on November 30, 1948, to Anthony and Edith (Serchia) Cucinotta, Anthony grew up in a loving home with his parents and two siblings, surrounded by his many cousins, some of whom were also his neighbors. Anthony was diagnosed with an intellectual disability shortly after his second birthday, and his parents became involved with The ARC to gain support and help ensure opportunities for proper education.
In approximately 1978, Anthony relocated to Southampton, NJ, where he lived until moving just a few minutes away to Indian Mills, NJ, in 1994. While living in NJ, he enjoyed treks “down the shore”, vacations in the Outer Banks, road trips to Missouri, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and New York City, among others. He especially loved traveling to Woodinville, Washington, to visit his brother, sister-in-law, and nephews. Family was everything to Anthony.
Wherever he was, he was always moving – whether by working around the house – or those of his neighbors; doing yard work; helping to take care of pets, including his sister’s dog – who very quickly became his dog; attending various school and sporting events of his nieces and nephews; celebrating mass and participating in various ministries at Holy Eucharist Parish in Tabernacle, NJ; visiting with extended family, and cheering on his beloved Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Philadelphia Phillies (although later in life, he did split his loyalty with the Washington Nationals). Anthony embraced the role of Uncle, then Granduncle, and, recently, Great Granduncle – and he served in those roles beautifully.
In 1998, Anthony relocated to Woodinville, WA, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus and a fixture at their monthly pancake breakfasts at St. Jude Catholic Church. He volunteered almost daily at Ben Rush Elementary school in Redmond, WA, from 1998 to 2007, before relocating again to Spokane, WA, where he lived from 2007 to 2018, prior to moving to Shawnee, KS. Throughout those years, he continued his travels, adding Arizona, Wisconsin, Georgia, California, and Washington, D.C., to his list of destinations. Wherever he went, he always wore his trademark smile.
Anyone who knew Anthony knew what he was thinking – he loved to talk and did not mince his words. He bragged about his family members unabashedly. If he liked you, you would know. If you crossed one of his loved ones, you (and everyone else) would know that, as well. His build was slight – despite his seemingly insatiable appetite, but he was stronger than most would believe – his stamina at 70 rivaled that of most 45-year-olds! Anthony could make you smile on the grayest day and was a living reminder that sometimes keeping it simple is the best way to live. He may not have had higher education or achieved professional success, but his impact on those who were blessed to know him was profound. He loved deeply and extended his love and loyalty to the friends of his family members, and they, too, came to view Anthony “like a brother”.
Anthony is pre-deceased by his father, Anthony and mother, Edith; his sister, Edith (Crafton); and his brother, Joseph.
He is survived by his brother-in-law, Dennis (Crafton) of East Troy, WI (formerly of Shamong, NJ), sister-in-law Nancy (Ellis) of Shawnee, KS (formerly of Woodinville, WA, and Medford, NJ) – who loved and cared for him over the last several years of his life; nephews Matthew Cucinotta of Shawnee, KS, Paul Cucinotta (wife Beth) of Alexandria, VA, Michael Cucinotta of Mesa, AZ, and Dan Crafton (husband John Lersch) of Mukwonago, WI; nieces Denise Crafton Stevens (husband Ross) of Atlanta, GA, Vicki Crafton Bilotta (husband John) of Princeton, NJ; grandnephews, Nicolas Cucinotta (wife Elizabeth), Joseph Cucinotta and Samuel Cucinotta; and Connor Crafton Marrone, Walker Stevens and Ethan and Owen Bilotta; grandnieces Marissa Coyle (nee Cucinotta; husband Michael Coyle), Ansley Crafton Stevens; Mackenzie and Adelaine (Lainey) Cucinotta; and great-grandniece Agnes Coyle; and great-grandnephew Dominic Coyle.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Anthony’s life on Saturday, February 3rd, beginning with visitation from 9:00 – 10:00 am at Sweeney Funeral home (478 Cooper St, Beverly, NJ), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Jesus, The Good Shepherd (805 Warren Street, Beverly, NJ) at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, Anthony’s family asks that you perform a simple act of kindness on his behalf and always remember to smile – it truly does make a difference.