By Staff
NILES – There's not much Joseph Frucci didn't accomplish in his life.
On Monday, April 2, Mr. Frucci's journey was ended when he passed away due to a brief illness.
Frucci, a lifetime resident of Niles, is well known for the many activities he was involved in and contributions to his community.
In 1946, Frucci became the Heavy-weight Golden Glove Champion while serving in the United States Army and Air Force. Frucci won his semifinal fight for the National Heavy-weight Title at Madison Square Gardens. He was the preliminary warm-up fight for the Joe Lewis Headliner fight. He trained many upcoming boxers, several making it to the finals in the 1950s.
At the age of 65, Frucci earned his black belt in Karate.
Frucci served as vice president and chef of Franky's Restaurant and manager of Armands Restaurant in Buchanan. He is also known for helping build several other area restaurants, including Round Oak, JD's Truck Stop, Motts Apple Core and Golden Pond. He also owned and operated Frucci's Royal Blue Grocery in Niles.
He was a member of the Saint Mary Catholic Church and attended Saint John's United Church of Christ with his wife, Edith, who survives.
Frucci was a lifetime member of American Legion Post No. 26 and the B.P.O. of the Niles Elks Lodge No. 1322. He was also a member of the Berrien County Sportsman Club in Berrien Springs, the Heddon Research Team in Dowagiac and was a board member of the Niles School for Exceptional Children.
Mr. Frucci's funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday. April 6 at Halbritter Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.