Paul Bartucca, Sr.

Waynesville – Paul (Paolo) Bartucca, 81, passed away due to heart complications on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Paul was born in Curinga, Italy, moved with his family in 1955 to upstate NY when he was 13, before settling in Waterloo, New York. He then made his way to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, in 2004.  He was the son of the late Joseph (Giuseppe) and Mary (Maria) Bartucca. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife Nancy (2020), one son, Scott Bartucca (2008); and a daughter-in-law, Angela Agostini-Bartucca.

Throughout his life, Paul's family was his greatest source of pride and joy, whether cheering on his children, tending to his garden, or doting on his grandchildren. As a husband, father, grandfather, and brother, the family could always count on Paul’s support and love.  He was known to be very hardworking and was committed to his lifetime career as a barber in upstate New York and then in Waynesville, NC.  

Paul's passion also extended to his favorite sport of cornhole, where he made wonderful friends who he played with every Tuesday and Thursday. He was extremely proud to be named the National Senior Games Cornhole Champion in 2022 for his age group and loved to show his medals to everyone he met.

Paul is survived by his two sons, Paul Bartucca, Jr. (Amy), of Waynesville and Michael Bartucca (Diana) of Norwell, Massachusetts; sister, Mary Fruci, of New York; brothers, Andy and Domenic Bartucca, both of New York; and five grandchildren, Eric (Grace), Ethan, Jamen, Nathan and Maya; and close friend Betty Everson.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Wells Funeral Home Chapel in Waynesville.  The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital @ www.stjude.org

The care of Mr. Bartucca has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.