John F. Tucker III, 57, transit chief

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, March, 2008 | by Gayle Ronan Sims Inquirer Staff Writer

John Foster Tucker III, 57, a former vice president of Amtrak operations and a one-time chief of SEPTA's Regional Rail system, was found dead Sunday after suffering a heart attack in his Center City home. "John was a key advocate for passengers' quality rail service, and was passionate about the city of Philadelphia," said David Gunn, a former head of SEPTA and Amtrak who worked with Mr.

Tucker. "He fought for better service without its costing a lot of money. His efforts helped save SEPTA." He had a lifelong fascination with railroads, and as a youngster tired of miniature train sets. "He wanted the real thing," said his sister, Margaret Plotkin. "John went out and rode the trolleys, subways, trains – anything on rails, all over the region. He studied how the lights,...