Constance Bucchi

“I love you, I love you, I love you” was the common refrain heard by Connie’s family. She kept a constant watch on her “babies” warning them about everything from ticks to sharks to bears. Her grandkids were always her top priority: she never missed a sporting event and would take them to the mall, give them $10 and watch them play video games for hours. On Tuesdays she’d gather her clan together for dinner at her Riverside home. rnShe loved the shore, but hated the beach and would devour any book she could find about the mob or the Amish. She had a thing for Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Chuck Norris. She loved to bet the ponies and did occasional battle with the one armed bandits in Atlantic City.rnFor years she maintained a following as a waitress at Ponzios, Olgas, Delrando and Windsor Diners.rnAs a teenager she’d meet a young saxophone player at Sacred Heart Church named Joseph. They’d elope to Elkton MD. Their marriage was blessed by two daughters, Catherine (Bernard) Griffin and Deborah (Edward) Iannuzzi; grandsons Bernard Griffin (Donna), Shawn Griffin, Edward Iannuzzi (Sarah Neuman), and Joseph Iannuzzi; and her great-grandson, Cory Griffin. She is also survived by a brother, William Leonard Stemmer (Doris), and sisters, Catherine Deleo and Gloria (Tom) Savaidis. Also survived by her many nieces and nephews and her beloved Godchild Connie.rnCome celebrate 77 great years Thursday 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside where there will be a 10:30 service. Interment St. Peter Cemetery. Donations to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053-3101 will be appreciated.rn