NORWICH – John M. “Spartacus” Tucker, 65, of East River Road, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 13, 2007 at his home.
 Born in Norwich on July 20, 1942, John was the son of Hubert A. and Esther (Jewell) Tucker. He graduated from Norwich High School with the Class of 1960 and on Nov. 18, 1961 married Elizabeth Anne “Liz” Maiurano. 
Together, Liz and John operated “Tucker’s Smoke Shop” from 1983 until it closed in 1993. Liz died on March 9, 2002.
John was an accomplished organist, playing with Pepe Maiurano, Bruce Beadle and several other local bands. An avid fan of Norwich Football, John will be remembered for his spectacular fireworks displays after Norwich touchdowns and the bonfires at home games. He loved life and especially his family and many friends. He was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church and formerly of the Knights of Columbus.
 John is survived by his daughter, Karen A. Tucker and her partner, Richard Vanderwarker of Norwich; his sons, John F. Tucker of Norwich and his partner, Kelly Abbhul and Marty Provo and his loyal friend, Becky Coleman, also of Norwich; his grandchildren, Amy Pollock of Albany, Jennifer Pollock of So. New Berlin, and Morgan Crawford of Norwich; two brothers, Thomas Tucker and his wife, Edlah, of Pennsylvania and Edwin Tucker and his wife, Ruth, of Kentucky; his dear friend, Sherry Rutledge and his loyal companion, T.C. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins. John was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Knapp. John’s family would also like to thank Billy Laden for his generosity during John’s illness.
A Mass of Resurrection for John will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Burial will take place at a later date.  Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Contributions in memory of John may be made to the Msgr. Festa Scholarship Fund or to the Norwich Football Boosters Club.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.