John Cuccia, age 74 of Turtle Lake, ND died Wednesday, July 2 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Turtle Lake.

Mass of Christian Burial: 4:00 PM Monday, July 7 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church – Turtle Lake;
Rev. Frank J. Schuster, Celebrant

Interment: St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery
*Military Rites provided by the Turtle Lake American Legion Post #133

Visitation: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Sunday at St. Catherine's Catholic Church with a 7:30 PM Prayer Service; Monday, one hour prior to time of service.

John Arthur Cuccia was born March 14, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY. He was raised by his mother Catherine and attended Public Schools 130 & 230 in the borough of Brooklyn Park. John graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in 1952. While a senior in high school, John joined the U.S. Naval Reserve. Following high school, he worked for a major bank as a tax accountant. In late 1953, John was placed on active duty with the U.S. Navy. He trained at a teletype school and was assigned to the U.S.S. Northhampton, a communication radar light cruiser. John married Mary Lou Ascione on April 28, 1956 in Brooklyn, NY and they moved to Glendale, CA. From this union, two daughters were born, Catherine Elaine & Donna Marie. John worked as an Assistant First Officer at Bank of American and at Citizens National Bank. He also tried his hand at equipment leasing for a short time. He joined the California Army National Guard and in 1978 was offered a full-time position as NCOIC of Troop Issue Subsistence Activity. In 1980, he met Orian Jeanne Love and on February 15, 1987 they were united in marriage. Orian presented John with three beautiful step-daughters. Orian and John moved to Turtle Lake, ND to be closer to her family. Orian passed away in June 2005. John continued to make his home in Turtle Lake until the time of his death. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. John was also a life member of the Northhampton Reunion Association. He was very active with the Knights of Columbus, earning 4th Degree status with the John J. Mitty Assembly of San Luis Obispo, CA. John was a member of the Moose Lodge- Mandan, and the Destroyer Escort Association (USS Marsh DE 699).

He is survived by two daughters: Catherine Cuccia of Cedar City, UT, & Donna Ferguson of Turtle Lake; four grandchildren: Trevor, James, Daniel, & Joseph Jr.; three step-daughters, Vickie (Paul) Andrus of Turtle Lake, DeeAnn (Kent) Slade of Provo, UT, & Dorie Geis of Port Charlotte, FL; five step-grandchildren, Charlie, Katie, Tori, Erin, & Jimmy; one sister, Stephanie Deckard of Trabuco Canyon, CA; & one brother, Vincent (Sherri) Ascione of Saugus, CA.

John was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Orian), & former wife (Mary Lou).