FMC News & Events
FMC Mourns the Loss of Our Dear Friend and Colleague Nick Pennucci
It is with great sadness that I share the sad news that longtime FMC family member Nick Pennucci passed away Monday morning after being stricken ill at home. Nick was 58 years old and oversaw the Buffone Arena in Worcester as FMC Arena Manager for over 24 years.
Nick was so much more than the manager at Buffone Arena; he was truly the unofficial “Mayor of Worcester” as many of us knew him. His infectious smile, sense of humor and genuine kindness endeared him to everyone he came in contact with. He knew virtually every person young and old who walked through the doors at Buffone and had a warm welcome or funny story to share with each of them.
Over the years he developed close and supportive relationships with all the groups and individuals who visited Buffone and worked tirelessly to ensure they had a safe and fun experience at the arena. His support was critical to so many programs and events in the Worcester area, including the Senior Games, Special Olympics, Lakers Tournament and many more. Despite being an avid Montreal Canadians fan his love and knowledge of hockey made for some passionate and always good-hearted conversations for us Bruins fans.
For those of us who had the honor of working with Nick, he was a dedicated professional and loyal friend. He was always the first one to reach out if he heard you were struggling with something or to thank you for even the smallest acts of kindness or support. That same generosity of spirit extended to everyone on his staff over the years. He was a coach, mentor, friend, wonderful example to all and helped so many to advance their career in the ice sports industry or to learn the skills to help them be successful in other professions.
The FMC family and the ice sports community will dearly miss this consummate gentleman who gave so much of his life and energy to us. His impact on the world will not fade away but will live on through the thousands of lives that he has touched and made better. Our love and prayers go out to his wife Meg, daughters Kristen and Justine, son Nick JR and the entire Pennucci family.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, August 21st at 11:30am in St. Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton Street in Worcester. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic the church capacity is limited. To send a card or arrangements, please connect to the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
When it is safe to do so, we will commemorate Nick’s life and accomplishments in a public celebration at the Buffone Arena. We invite all of you to join the FMC family at that time to pay our respects, express our thanks for all Nick has done and share the memories that have left an indelible mark on our lives.
May he always rest in peace and comfort for a life so well lived, though taken from all of us far too soon.
Sincerely,
Rob McBride FMC President
Sign the online guest book for Nick on our site or at legacy.com.
