JOHNSTON — Deacon Paul A. Ullucci,, Sr., husband of the late Dianne E. Ullucci (Strobel), son of the late Paul and Dorothy Ullucci (Gonnoud), died Saturday July 26. Loved by his three children: Paul A. Ullucci, Jr and his wife Judith and their children Harrison, Victoria, Travers; Beth Ullucci and her daughter Ana; and Daniel Ullucci and his wife Jessica Pesce and their son Antonio. He is survived by his beloved brother Michael Ullucci and his wife Ann, niece Kerri and nephew Andrew, their mother Sandra Morin and great nieces and nephews Acadia, Andre, Atticus and Emerson.
Paul was born in Providence in 1946 and received a B.S. in Chemistry from Providence College in 1968. He worked as an analytic chemist at: Instrument Laboratories (1970-73); the toxicology lab of RI Hospital (Developmental Chemist, 1973- 1984); RI Analytical (1984-87); and ESA Laboratories, later Dionex (Technical Director, QA and QC Manager, 1987-2003). His work contributed to breakthroughs in early testing for lead poisoning as well as vitamin D research. He published eighteen articles in various leading scientific journals.
Beyond his professional career he was a constant presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was active in the Boy Scouts, and the Catholic Committee on Scouting.
Paul’s central passion throughout life was his commitment to God. He was an active member of St. Robert Bellarmine parish in Johnston, serving as Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher, and coordinator of the baptismal education and RCIA programs.
He was ordained a permanent Deacon in 2002, earning an MA in Pastoral Ministry from Providence College in 2003. This calling became the focus of his life. He was appointed to St. Joseph’s Parish in Scituate in 2002. Paul absolutely loved his work at St. Joseph’s, devoting endless hours to ministry, preaching, and biblical study. His parishioners were his life. Every weekend and most weekdays found him at the church. He spent his evenings poring over biblical and theological texts. He loved preparing sermons and collecting facts and anecdotes to add to his preaching.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Aug. 2 in St. Joseph Church with burial in Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Johnston. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, P.O. Box 236, North Scituate, RI 02857.
