# JuJu Mucciaccio

Anthony Paul "JuJu" Mucciaccio Jr. (January 10, 1938 – January 1, 2025) was an American parks and recreation director in Dedham, Massachusetts. He was described by Town Clerk Paul Munchbach as "a Dedham icon" and someone who "dedicated his whole life to the town."

## Early life and education

Mucciaccio was born on January 10, 1938, to Anthony, a stone mason, and Rose Mucciaccio on East Street in Dedham, Massachusetts. He had four younger brothers: Robert, William, Thomas, and Gerald Mucciaccio. He got his nickname, JuJu, from his childhood attempts to pronounce the "choo choo" sounds of the nearby trains going to Dedham station.
He graduated from Dedham High School and later attended Bentley College. He was fat during high school and lost nearly 100 pounds his senior year. He volunteered with youth sports, though he didn't play himself, and at the encouragement of Isabel Dolan, the town's first female parks and recreation commissioner, he became a recreation counselor.
Mucciaccio served in the United States Marine Corps for three years. He had a long-time girlfriend, but never married and had no children, but considered all the children of Dedham to be his family.

## Career

After Proposition 2½ led to the elimination of the Recreation Director position in 1980, Muccaccio took over the position for a year pro bono. He was then hired full time until his retirement in 2010. He was particularly involved with the Dedham Pool, which he helped save after its closure in 1982 due to budget cuts. He led a campaign to reopen the pool, including raising $30,000 by starting and organizing Dedham Day at Barnes Memorial Park. Control of the pool was then transferred from the Dedham Public Schools to the Recreation Department.
In 1976, Mucciaccio founded the Dedham Clipper Swim Team. He was actively involved in teaching swim lessons, officiating swim meets, and interacting with the children and families who participated on the team. In 1996, the pool was renamed the Anthony P. Mucciaccio "JuJu's Place" Pool in recognition of his efforts. Mucciaccio said the renaming, and the appreciation night when it was announced, was "the biggest thing of my life."
During his tenure as director, a skate park was opened in 1998, but it closed in 2004 after use dwindled. A party for Shad Araby's 75th birthday was a fundraiser to build it.
Mucciaccio was also involved in organizing the Dedham Flag Day Parade for many years, even after his retirement. He played an important role in coordinating the parade, and his presence was a familiar sight, often seen waving from the final parade truck. Additionally, he was the founder and organizer of Dedham Day, an annual event at Barnes Memorial Park.
Hundreds attended his multiple retirement parties in 2010, including one at Moseley's on the Charles.

## Dedham High Boosters and other contributions

Mucciaccio was an active member and president of the Dedham High Boosters club, supporting Dedham High School's sports programs. He helped organize various events, such as athlete banquets, and raised funds for scholarships and sports initiatives. He was involved in running the Boosters Concession Stand at Dedham High School football games and organizing Bingo nights, which attracted a large number of participants.
Mucciaccio managed Dedham's Italian-American Social Club for 23 years. He was said to have "unflagging energy and uncanny ability to get others to volunteer for or give money to his beloved causes." He served on the committee that planned Shad Araby's 75th birthday party at Moseley's on the Charles.

## Death

Mucciaccio died on January 1, 2025, at the age of 86. His funeral took place at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, with a Funeral Mass held at St. Mary's Church in Dedham. He was buried at Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.