Sewickley singer marks 20 years of promoting patriotism

A local man has devoted the past 20 years of his life to sharing love, compassion, patriotism and kindness with others, in a wholesome and admirable fashion.

On most summer nights, John Tucci of Sewickley can be seen — or more appropriately, heard — at local youth sporting events and other community gatherings.

Tucci, 60, travels to youth baseball fields and other public places singing some of America’s most treasured songs. He’s made appearances all over Pittsburgh, including at the Three Rivers Regatta, PNC Park and many other large venues in the area.

“It really depends on the event and how much time I have. I usually start off with the Pledge of Allegiance. Then if I have time, I’ll do one military song, like ‘The Marines’ Hymn’ or ‘The Army Goes Rolling Along,’ and I’ll finish with the national anthem,” said Tucci.

He gets kids involved in his program by asking some of them to hold his giant U.S. flag, which has a golden eagle perched atop the pole. Everyone else is given a smaller version of Old Glory and is asked to wave it proudly during the ceremony.

“Just the look in the kids’ eyes when they see the big flag and all the flags waving, for some of the young T-ball kids, it makes the game feel professional,” said Tucci.

Tucci has each team send two players to help with the ceremony. The four of them hold the big flag the entire time.

Anthony Kremmel of McCandless was one of the coaches during a recent ceremony. He had two young boys present, one of whom helped to hold the flag.

“It was a one-of-a-kind experience for kids this young. It helped our family get talking about the importance of the American flag and the meaning of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’” said Kremmel.

There’s no spectacular entrance for Tucci when he arrives. Often, he just stands humbly in the outfield awaiting his turn to address the crowd and players.

When it’s time to get started, Tucci walks into the center of the diamond by himself, wearing a full suit and a small, flat gentleman’s hat, looking like a character out of “Peaky Blinders.”

With nothing but a karaoke-style microphone unit by his side, Tucci’s deep, raspy voice quickly demands the attention of onlookers. His confidence is evident, and passion pours out of him like water as speaks about this country that he loves.

“Each one of these stars and stripes represents hundreds and thousands of men and women who gave their lives for this great country,” Tucci explains.

After a brief intro and reminder of the what the flag stands for, he belts out the songs in a smooth, concise way so as to not take up too much time.

Tucci started singing in his Catholic church choir many years ago. When he saw how his version of patriotic songs uplifted the congregation, he knew that he had to take it public.

“Truly, I’ve devoted my life to this. I never got married. I really try to help the local communities. My faith has a lot to do with it, but my parents raised me right, too. I had good examples in my parents,” Tucci said.

His faith and love are why he not only attends events free of charge, but while he is there, he even picks up all the trash and rakes the fields as a good gesture.

“I could ask for donations, but that would defeat the whole purpose. That’s what makes this so special. People see me doing this for free out of the kindness of my heart. That’s what a saint would have done,” Tucci said, referring to his Catholic faith.

When Tucci isn’t out uplifting the community, he is dedicated to his position as a groundskeeper at Robert Morris University, where he has worked for 30 loyal years.

“I guess you really don’t hear about that anymore, either, people staying at one job for that long. That’s what is so special about this year for me. It’s kind of my 20th anniversary doing the ceremony and my 30th anniversary at my job,” he said.

He’s been inspired this year because he feels like society needs an honest message now more than ever.

“I just want to thank everyone that has invited me out to their events over the last 20 years. It’s been so very special each time. I have such great memories. The Ingomar Franklin Park Little League and events in Hampton that I’ve visited have all been very special to me. The people in these areas are such wonderful people,” Tucci said.

“As I talk to the kids who I did this ceremony for many years ago, they still remember me. They still say how much it meant to them. That’s what it’s all about. I just want to be remembered for spreading love, kindness and compassion all around the area.”