Dateline – Kennebunkport, ME

Umberto A. Marcucci, 86, of Kennebunkport, Maine, died Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2017 from complications following open heart surgery at Maine Medical Center, Portland. He passed listening to Puccini and Mahler, tasting a great scotch and hint of wine from his family region located in the mountainous central Italian region of Abruzzo. Bert left NYC and moved to Kennebunkport with his wife Jean in 2011 to be close to family (but we all knew it was for his grandchild Gianna). He was born in Boston, MA on March 5, 1931, the son of Michele and Magrina (Forgione) Marcucci, grew up in the Boston area, and graduated from Boston English High School. Following high school, Bert served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. Upon returning from Korea he then married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Jean Marie DePari May 15th, 1954. Bert continued his education, earning a Degree in Interior Design and Fine Arts from Parson’s School of Design and New York University in NYC.
Bert started his climb up the ladder as Interior Designer for Chandler Cudlipp Associates, Inc. from 1955 to 1995 becoming President and CEO, and establishing ownership in 1969. In 1995 he formed UAM LTD. for 12 years until his retirement in 2007. He was a highly respected designer, a talented artist and had an incredible eye for fashion. Career highlights include designing Top of the Fair at the 1964 World’s Fair, The Pan Am Club, Hershey Corporate Headquarters, Sony New York Headquarters, Morgan Guaranty Bank, NYC and London, Chemical Bank, Morgan Stanley, numerous private clubs such as The Wall Street Club, Boardroom Club, dozens of spectacular conference centers and universities, throughout the U.S. and abroad, culminating in 2006 with his redesign and completion of Boston University's two floors of Executive Space. Bert was involved with every element of design, architectural fixed decor, antique, art placement, furniture and treatments. From 1978 to 2006 and beyond Bert enjoyed a special relationship with his daughter Margaret working side by side on many projects.

Bert was a member of many private clubs in NYC, however, partial to The Lotos Club NYC celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, honorary dinners and holidays through the years. Bert was also a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Bert was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. He was a voracious reader and a connoisseur of history, art, current events, politics, wine and music. He was a talented chef, enjoyed a good scotch and a glass (or two) of good wine at every dinner.

He loved life and was blessed with wit, charm and glamour. Bert was a dedicated and loving husband and father. His deep love of family brought him immense happiness. His generosity was felt by many. Above all he was a devoted grandfather and best friend to his grandchild, Gianna Grace which he had a unique bond.

He is predeceased by his sister Camille DiRuzza and brother, Sabatino (Ben) Marcucci. Bert is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Marie Marcucci; daughter, Margaret Marcucci-Olson, husband Roger E. Olson, Jr. and granddaughter Gianna Grace of Kennebunk,ME; daughter Emilie Marcucci of Lakewood, CA; two sons, Mike and Robert Marcucci of NYC; and his sister, Angela and husband Arthur LeBlanc Jr.of Kennebunk.
Uncle Bert was deeply loved by his many cousins, nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, and extended family of all ages. He will be profoundly missed by all.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish/St. Martha’s Church, Portland Road, Kennebunk. Burial with military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. in Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Springvale, ME.
To share a memory, picture or leave a message of condolence, please visit Bert’s Book of Memories page at www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME. www.bibberfuneral.com