Michael E. Fucito, Jr.

Wading River- Michael E. Fucito, Jr., 86, of Wading River, NY, died peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024. 

Michael was born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 26, 1937, to Michael E. Fucito Sr. and Beatrice (Bachelor) Fucito. On July 31, 1955, Michael proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving his country as an airman 2nd Class until 1963. In addition to instilling his sense of duty and honor, Michael’s service sparked a passion for electronics and navigation systems. After his honorable discharge in 1963, Michael embarked on a successful career as an Electronic Engineer with Northrup Grumman Aerospace Corporation. 

For the first five years of Michael’s career, he worked in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Newburn, North Carolina, and spent nine months in Vietnam as a defense contractor for Grumman. 1968 Michael landed at Grumman's Naval Weapons Station in Calverton, NY. Michael contributed to developing significant aviation technologies, working primarily on Grumman's Tomcat F-14 fighter jets. In 1976, Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Public Management from Southampton College, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and growth. Michael’s career with Grumman Aerospace spanned thirty-four years; in 1994, he retired, leaving a lasting impact on aerospace engineering. 

Michael served his community and sat on the Shoreham-Wading River School District's Board of Education. For twenty-seven years, he was a passionate advocate for education and the well-being of students. Michael also sang in the Shoreham-Wading River Community Chorus. 

Michael was an avid golfer and gardener. Michael golfed until the first snowfall and again in early spring. He also spent countless hours nurturing his garden, finding great peace and satisfaction. Michael and his family also enjoyed many summers at their lakeside home in Wells, VT, creating cherished memories.

Michael was married for 54 years to his beloved wife, Joan A. (Zyckowski) Fucito, who predeceased him on November 2, 2014. Together, they raised three daughters: Jane (David) Sargeant, Ann (William) Shaw, and Michele (Mark) Bookbinder. Michael is survived by his brothers Walter and David Fucito and predeceased by his brother Peter Fucito. Michael’s love for his family was deep and unwavering, and his legacy continues through his children, his grandchildren—Melissa Haley, Ian Shaw, Michael Shaw, and Emma Bookbinder—and his great-granddaughter, Charlotte Haley. 

Family and friends will remember Michael as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Michael had a wonderful sense of humor and sharp wit, matched only by his infectious laughter. His legacy is one of selfless love and dedication to both his family and his community. Michael’s tireless service to his country, his work as an engineer, and his deep commitment to improving his community will continue to inspire those who know him.

A funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave. Rensselaer, NY 12144. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Michael’s family from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Michael will be laid to rest, alongside his wife, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville, NY, at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.