Next month St. Luke’s School bids farewell to a beloved member of its community. Veteran educator and coach Emil Bucci, retires from St. Luke’s after 31-years of service. St. Luke’s celebrates Bucci’s career with a dedication of the Varsity Baseball Field – to be forever known as Bucci Field. The School will also honor Bucci (as he is warmly known) with an induction into the St. Luke’s School Athletic Hall of Fame. Both activities take place May 21, 2011 beginning at 4pm at St. Luke’s School.
Bucci came to St. Luke’s in September 1980. He was hired by Dick Whitcomb, St. Luke’s Headmaster from 1980-2001. During his tenure at St. Luke’s, Bucci served as a Physical Education teacher, Dean of Discipline, Athletic Director and coach of many St. Luke’s teams including: baseball, softball, football, basketball, golf, volleyball, lacrosse and soccer.
Bucci was St. Luke’s Dean of Students for 13 years, and in 2007 received the Crusader of the Year award. The Caduceus Yearbook was dedicated to him in 1983, 1987 and 1998. Bucci was named Manager of Athletic Facilities in 2003. He currently serves as Athletic Facilities Manager, Physical Education Teacher, Middle School Soccer and Basketball Coach and Varsity Golf Coach.
Beyond the St. Luke’s community, Bucci served the School in the role of Fairchester Athletic Association vice-president for 13 years, Baseball League Chairman for 15 years, and Soccer League Chairman for three years. A resident of Trumbull, Emil and his wife Christine are parents of two St. Luke’s alumni, twins Ryan ’01 and Adam ’01. Prior to coming to St. Luke’s, he was Aquatic Director at the Greenwich Boys and Girls Club from 1972-1979.
Bucci spent his formative years attending St. Mary’s Boys High School in Greenwich where he was a standout baseball player. Following high school graduation, Bucci received his BA in Physical Education from Saint Leo University in Florida, and his MS in Education at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.
With seven FAA championships, seven tournament championships, and eight New England championships, Bucci ranks as one of the all-time great coaches at St. Luke’s. Yet these wins are overshadowed by Bucci’s real legacy— the positive impact he has made on countless SLS students, families and colleagues. In their own words:
“Bucci is a man of love, honor and wisdom. He had a laugh that would light up the hallways and a smile that would resolve any insecurity or fear one may have. Bucci was not only a coach, faculty and staff, but he was a friend. He exemplifies the highest standard of love for students.” LaTanya Langley ’93
“Emil has a gift with kids: They trust him, enjoy him and share with him, knowing that it is a safe and easy place to be.” Kathy Brown ’81 P’15
“As the coach, Emil always knew exactly how to manage the “field of play” in human affairs to bring about a victory for each person he worked with in all of those situations… His generous spirit and open heart are woven into the fabric of the place, leaving a pattern for others to see and follow in their own conduct as they seek to become great educators like him, the Master Coach.” Tim Cantrick, former Director of College Counseling
“Mr. Bucci cared and we all knew that, but more importantly, we all needed that… a laugh, a good piece of advice, a place to hang out, a friendly voice and those hugs - what high school kid doesn't need a hug every now and then? He wore his emotions on his sleeve and that is something a teenager appreciates - no pretense nor façade.
"I hope he knows all that he did for so many kids. I saw and experienced it as a student myself, then as a teacher at St. Luke's and I know it well as an alum. I am proud to say I was there for his inaugural year and even prouder to be on hand for the field dedication.” Andy Whitcomb ’83, Head Field Hockey Coach, Mount Holyoke College
“The greatest power in this world, above all others, is the power of a random act of kindness. Bucci has offered them freely and generously and wonderfully every day he has ever been on the hilltop.” Mike Lupica P’08, P’10, P’17
“Bucci has a special relationship with so many in our community. St. Luke’s prides itself on the fact that we really know our students. This interest and affection came naturally to Bucci. He cares deeply and St. Luke’s students felt that every day.” Mark Davis, Head of School
For more information about Coach Bucci’s Retirement contact:
Associate Director of Communications Jane Ahrens at (203) 801-4800, or Alumni Director David Hirx .
For More information about St. Luke’s School please visit our website.
