Eugene “Sonny” Bertucci, 94 of Taylorville, passed away at 7:00a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Taylorville Care Center. He was born on October 16, 1927 in Taylorville, the son of Atillio and Clara Bertucci. Following his father’s death at a young age, Clara married Ben Mooney and together they raised a large family. He married LaVerne Woodward on August 28, 1949 in the Taylorville First United Methodist Church, she preceded him in death on May 20, 2020. Sonny proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, serving during both WWII and Korea. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. Sonny began working at the age of 14 at the Red & White grocery store on the square in Taylorville.
Following his time in the service, he continued his work as a butcher at Frank’s Food Fair. His work in the grocery business spanned many decades as the manager of Frank’s Food Fair and IGA, County Market, and finally Kroger. He was also active with the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, and organized the city’s Bicentennial Celebration. Sonny and LaVerne loved to dance throughout the years and could clear the dance floor while entertaining the crowd. Together they enjoyed traveling to scenic and historic locations and attended countless fairs and festivals selling musical tins that they made through their business named Mom’s Follys. He enjoyed calling Bingo games, starting at the store, and continuing to the Senior Citizen’s Center. Sonny became known as Taylorville’s official birthday singer.
He loved to serenade customers by singing them “Happy Birthday” over the store’s intercom, even if it wasn’t truly their birthday. This tradition continued even to his time in the nursing home. Sonny made a tremendous impact on his family, friends, coworkers and community and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his son: Tom Bertucci (Sandy) of Nauvoo; daughter: Angela Bertucci of Peoria; grandchildren: Andrianna Bertucci (Donna), Joseph Bertucci (Kimberly), and Natalie Jamieson (Michael); great grandchildren: Jaden, Olivia, and Ashlyn Hellman, Caroline Bertucci, and Quinn Jamieson; sister: Ramona Frisina; and 30 nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and siblings: Camilla Blakeman, Enrico Bertucci, Mafalda Levernier, Yolanda Collebrusco, John Mooney, David Mooney, and Ronnie Mooney.
Sonny will be cremated, and a family memorial service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022 at McClure Funeral Home with Rev. Becky Lembke officiating. Friends are invited to join the family for a graveside committal service with Veteran’s Honors, at 11:30 on Friday at Oak Hill Cemetery. Following the graveside service, friends and family are welcome to join at the Moose Lodge, 720 McAdam Dr., Taylorville, for a celebration of life luncheon.
Memorials may be made to the Taylorville First United Methodist Church or VFW Post #4495. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
