J. Kim Tucci, a former member of Saint Louis University’s Board of Trustees and a noted business and civic leader, as well as a Billiken booster, died Monday, March 25, 2019. He was 78.
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Tucci served on the Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2006 and again from 2007 to 2008. He was a longtime supporter of Billiken Athletics and served as chairman of the Billiken Club since its inception in 1991.
“This is a loss for the region, the University and for me personally,” said SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. “We lost a man who loved St. Louis and loved this University.”
Tucci received his bachelor’s degree in 1962 and his master’s degree in business administration in 1969, both from Saint Louis University.
“There are few words that adequately describe Kim Tucci’s involvement with the Saint Louis University athletic program,” said Athletic Director Chris May. “He was a Billiken from his days as a SLU student being part of the men’s soccer dynasty, to his 28 years as the Chairman of the Billiken Club, to Kim’s daily promotion of the Billikens in the community.”
Tucci was inducted into the Billiken Hall of Fame in 1989 in the Bauman Sportsmanship Award category, which recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to Billiken Athletics through the demonstration of the highest principles of integrity, honesty and fair play without consideration for self gain.
In 2015, Tucci was elected to the Billiken Hall of Fame as a member of the 1960 men’s soccer team. That team won the NCAA national championship, giving SLU back-to-back national titles in the first two years of NCAA men’s soccer.
He was elected again in 2017 as a member of the 1963 men’s soccer team. The 1963 team, under the direction of head coach Bob Guelker, won the fourth of SLU’s 10 NCAA titles. Tucci served as athletic trainer for both teams.
“Kim was an amazingly loyal, dedicated, and passionate Billiken who was committed to impacting the lives of student athletes in their pursuit of academic and athletic success,” May said. “Kim was a fantastic leader and friend of all Billikens. He will be missed but his presence will be lasting.”
Tucci was one of the co-founders of the The Pasta House Co. and served as the company’s president. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his daughter, Alexis Tucci, and two grandsons. Funeral arrangements are pending.
