Rudolph Fredrick Saccucci, affectionately known to nearly everyone as Fluffy, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born on August 27, 1943, in Ithaca, New York, Fluffy was the son of Bianca and Rudolph Saccucci and the beloved little brother of Gilda Yaley, who is married to John Yaley. It was Gilda who gave him the nickname “Fluffy” when he was young—a name that stayed with him throughout his life.

Fluffy lived a full and colorful life. Music was one of his greatest passions. A lifelong musician, he played tenor saxophone, bass guitar, tambourine, and provided backup vocals. He spent more than 30 years playing with Stevie Southworth and the Rockabilly Rays and the Bernie Milton Band, sharing his music with audiences and making lifelong friendships along the way.

He also loved sports, particularly baseball and his beloved New York Yankees. He wrote about sports and baseball history and was never short on an opinion about the game he loved.

Fluffy was grumpy, stubborn, opinionated, and perfectly comfortable telling you exactly what he thought. His humor was dry, straight-faced, and unmistakably his own. Beneath that gruff exterior was a man who cared deeply about people, especially children and young people who needed someone in their corner. He spent years working with at-risk youth through George Junior Republic and the Racker Center, where he dedicated himself to helping and supporting young people. His work with them was an important part of his life and reflected the caring person beneath his sometimes gruff exterior.

Fluffy loved his mother deeply and never left her to flounder, always making sure she was cared for and supported. He also loved his good friends, westerns, Goodfellas, and The Sopranos. He had a particular appreciation for Italian food, even though he couldn't have cheese—which never seemed to stop him.

Fluffy is survived by his life partner of 29 years, Ann Howland-Bolton; his son, Trevor, and his grandsons, Ian and Phillip; his nephew Adam and Adam's son, Austin; and Ann's children and their families: Raed and his partner Liddy, and their child August; Ead, Emma, Hereb, and her youngest, Rowie, and her partner Ryan. He is also survived by his sister, Gilda Yaley, and her husband, John.

Fluffy leaves behind a lifetime of music, stories, opinions, dry humor, friendships, and memories that will remain with all who knew and loved him.

He wasn't always easy, cheerful, or agreeable. But he was Fluffy—and there was only one of him.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday September 16 from 4-6pm at Bangs Funeral Home. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Thursday, September 17th in Immaculate Conception Church with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .

The Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx

or consider donating to Challenge Workforce Solutions at https://app.donorview.com/Donation/DonationInfo