Obituary of Maria Bucci

Maria (Petrini) Bucci went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2026, just before her 93rd birthday. Maria was the youngest child of Louis and Lena Petrini of Richland, NJ. She had a long, simple and beautiful life filled with strong Italian American values and traditions. Those who knew Maria recognized the kindness, patience, and gentle nature that characterized her demeanor. Maria was a selfless and caring mother, grandmother and friend who gave every bit of herself to others. In her early years, Maria worked as a secretary for the Atlantic County Surrogate's Office. She met her soulmate John at a Buena Dance, and they married in 1954 when Johnny returned from his service in Korea. Maria and John began farming, and they were partners working together as the farm expanded to include Bucci's Farm Market on Rt. 40 near Richland. Maria's hard work and devotion helped the market expand to include greenhouses where she was able to grow her own flowers. God knows she had a green thumb because her flowers were beautiful and she tended to them as if they were her children. Her customers loved her and she made sure they left with plenty of fresh produce from the farm, flowers from her greenhouses or plants for their garden. In Maria's later years, she was so happy to work part time with her niece Carol at C & M Greenhouses where she could help nourish such beautiful flowers. Once John and Maria retired from farming, they would make many trips to their cabin in Pennsylvania where they could enjoy adventurous time with friends. Maria and John were always together, and you can bet everyone in the area recognized John's blue truck as they were always out and about enjoying life to the fullest. Maria is survived by her daughter Donna Franks and husband Craig Franks; her grandchildren Marc Franks, Matthew Franks and wife Kelly Franks; her great granddaughter London Franks, and her sister-in law Miriam Bucci. She was predeceased by her husband John Bucci; son Anthony Bucci; and siblings Leo Petrini, Anita Alimenti and Rose Lolli. Maria's family would like to extend special thanks and gratitude to all the staff at the NJ Veteran's Memorial Home who consistently provided the most amazing care over the years. They would also like to thank Bayada Hospice who helped to make her end of life as easy as it could be. A church visitation will be held on Friday, January 16th from 9:15am to 11:15am followed by a funeral mass at 11:30 am from Our Lady Of The Blessed Sacrament - Church Of St. Michael, 504 West Avenue, Minotola. Interment will follow in Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, Estell Manor. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Maria may be made to: New Jersey Veteran's Memorial Home, 524 North West Blvd., Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com