Martin Stanford Tucker, born on October 4, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 85.
Marty grew up in St. Louis, where he graduated University City HS and Washington University with a B.S. degree in metallurgical engineering. He developed a strong sense of family, community and compassion, values that would guide him throughout his life. In 1962, Marty moved to Los Angeles worked for Hughes Aircraft and received a Masters degree at UCLA in metallurgical engineering. Married in 1961 to Melanie (Malorrus) Tucker for nearly 25 years. Marty left engineering to work with his father-in-law. He then started Topco Sales in 1977, and in 2006, Marty and his wife, Suyu Li Tucker, moved to Changping, Dongguan, China, in 2002, where they created a beautiful life together. He and Suyu worked together in 2010 on a new business called My World.
Marty was preceded in death by his loving parents, Irwin and Gertrude Tucker. He is survived by his devoted wife, Suyu Tucker; sister, Arleen & husband Ronald Siegel and family, and two children: son Scott Tucker & wife Maria, Marty’s grandchildren Jacob, Lily & Benjamin; and daughter Tracy & husband Scott Svoboda, Marty’s grandchildren David, Ethan/wife Yasmine, Ruth/husband Michael Movido & great grand children Eli, Silas and newborn baby, & Jared & fiancée Natalia Vivino. He kept in touch from China with all the family daily, loved to come to U.S. for occasions and have large gatherings so he could see everyone.
Marty will also be deeply missed by a wide circle of extended family including many cousins, friends, his Rabbi’s and countless others whose lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, humor and unwavering kindness. A remarkable man with a profound belief in the importance of helping others, Marty built a legacy of compassion and goodwill that will endure through those who knew him. He supported Israel when he donated to Technion University and hospitals there. He loved traveling the world with Suyu.
Marty’s funeral service was held by Chevra Kadisha according to his wishes and in accordance with Jewish tradition. The family requests that donations be made to Jewish charities in your community continuing Marty’s lifelong commitment to giving to charity and helping those in need. May his memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who mourn him.
