Obituary of Wayne R. Mucci

NORWALK, CONN Wayne R. Mucci, husband of Elizabeth (Libby) Mucci of Norwalk, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his friends and family, on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was born on July 1, 1940, in Brockton, MA to the late Patrick and Virginia Haley Mucci. Wayne graduated with a degree in sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and earned his Master's degree in sociology and criminology from the University of Pennsylvania. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was a research director with Community Action Agency. Then a move to Connecticut, where he was Research Director for the Legal Assistance Agency. Moving on, Wayne was the first Commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Children's Services. He was appointed by then Governor John Dempsey, after he was chosen unanimously from a field of 600 candidates. Then, Wayne went to work for John Lindsay as Director of Institutions and Facilities for New York City. His last position was Executive Director of Sheltering Arms Children's Services in New York City, where he worked for many years before retirement. Wayne loved to travel, and he and his wife visited countries around the world, making many international friends along the way, and bringing back interesting art from each location. Wayne had a great sense of humor. He loved to design and tend his gardens, and enjoyed going to the theater in New York. He was an avid Celtics fan. In addition to his wife of 62 years, Wayne is survived by his son, Jeffrey of Aurora ,CO, and daughter, Elizabeth (Betsey) Cellini of Trumbull , CT, sister, Suzanne Shannahan of Suffield, CT, and 5 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street, Westport, CT. Friends may visit with the family, on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the service.