It is with great sadness that the family of Louis Paul Raucci announces his passing at the age of 85 following a 26-year brave and valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Survived by his wife, Adelaide “Addie” Raucci; daughters, Gina Tierney of Madison, and Carla Valente of Old Saybrook; and his granddaughters, Bailey Mulqueen, Melissa Breese (Casey), and Nicole Valente. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Kim Cox (Greg) and sisters Joan Hucul of Wallingford and Donna Snedeker (Howard) of West Haven. He was predeceased by his sister, Connie Villano; his son-in-law, Ed Tierney; and brother-in-law, Elias Hucul.

Louis was born in New Haven on Nov. 29, 1938, son of the late Louis and Florence Klotz Raucci. A humble and kind man, his gentle demeanor and patient nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His gardens were his friends, and he took solace in the earth. He was proud of the delicious tomatoes he grew every year and the wine he made from the grapes on his property that he happily shared with friends and neighbors alike. He loved being with his family and spending time with his grandchildren. His interests were varied. He loved music and his guitars, riding his motorcycle with his wife in tow, woodworking, and more. Louis looked forward to his yearly trips to Maine, Vermont, the Vineyard, and especially Quebec, as well as other trips. When he was well, he kept busy from morning until night telling friends and family that his epitaph should read- “I would have been here sooner, but I was too busy.”

His family would like to thank Gail Hines, his part-time personal aide, who helped the family keep him at home before entering a nursing facility, and Apple Rehab-Guilford for the care he received from his nurses and especially his CNAs who worked hard to attend to his needs and comfort and to all who helped him through his life’s journey. We will miss you, Lou. Rest in eternal peace.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Relatives and friends were invited to a Mass of Christian burial on Oct. 1 in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, Branford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Orchard House, 41 Shore Drive, Branford, CT 06405, a medical adult day center he truly enjoyed. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.