Former Rockville Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio Dies

Former Rockville Mayor, Phyllis Marcuccio

Phyllis Marcuccio, who spent four years as Rockville’s mayor, died Tuesday, according to a statement from City Hall.

“Mayor Marcuccio was a deeply devoted public servant throughout her life and career. A longstanding Rockville resident, she prided herself as a grassroots activist and was an outspoken advocate for the city, always keeping the best interests of her community close to her heart,” Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton said in a statement.

Marcuccio served two terms as Rockville’s mayor from 2009-2013, afater two terms as a councilmember. She retired as mayor in 2013.

Marcuccio was president of the East Rockville Civic Association, a board member of the Rockville Housing Authority, and a member of several commissions and task forces within the city. She was a founding member of the Rockville Science Center and a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Rockville.

As president of the East Rockville Civic Association, Marcuccio was instrumental in the mission to establish Mary Trumbo Park, which memorializes a community member struck by a car on Rockville Pike in 2001. She also helped to spearhead the establishment of a neighborhood plan to ensure that East Rockville was considered in Town Center master planning.

After moving to Rockville as a young child, Marcuccio graduated from Richard Montgomery High School and only left the city long enough to get her college degrees and initial job experiences. She retired from the National Science Teachers Association as a national leader and innovator in childhood education after 38 years with the organization.

She lived in Rockville for more than 50 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, June 22, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 520 Veirs Mill Road, followed by a reception. The burial will be private.

Newton called Marcuccio “a stalwart champion for accountability” who put Rockville residents first when it came to Mayor and Council decisions.

“Whether planning for growth, keeping residents safe, wisely spending taxpayer money or protecting the environment, her commitment to protecting our quality of life and neighborhoods, was first and foremost,” Newton said.

“The City of Rockville is in a better place for her leadership. It was an honor to have known and worked with her.”

Here is a video highlight from Marcuccio’s time in office. In 2012, Gaithersburg annexed land on the south side Shady Grove Road.

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