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Charles Peter Lucania
Charles Peter Lucania
Obituary
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Charles Lucania Obituary
On weekends, the gang gravitated to Charles Lucania's small but serene bungalow just a block off the surf at Atlantic Beach. His friends turned up with burgers for the barbecue. His nephews turned up with toys and bathing suits. Someone usually brought a backgammon board, not that Mr. Lucania, 34, ever sat still long enough to play.
But accompanied by Jake and Sugar, two playful pit bulls raised to be lovers, not fighters, he was always primed to play host.
He liked having people around; maybe that's why 2,000 turned up on Oct. 13 at St. Luke's Church in Whitestone to say goodbye at a memorial service. His mother received the last of her daily phone calls from him on Sept. 11: Mr. Lucania, a union electrician two weeks into a job for PE Stone Electrical on the 98th floor of the south tower, told her something was amiss at the north tower, and promised to high-tail it to street level.
He bought his beach pad in 1997, gutted it, rebuilt, and planned further renovations for next year. Unless he was at work or at a Rangers game, he was probably home, where an open-door policy prevailed.
And it was not just his two young nephews who continually shouted "Let's go to Uncle Charlie's house!" Not long after Mr. Lucania moved to the shore, several buddies caught the beach bug and followed suit. "If there's one thing that gives me peace, it's knowing he didn't want for anything," said his sister, Joann. "He was living the life. He had his friends nearby. A big smile, a kiss, and a warm embrace: that was him. Always happy."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
The Natkin’s
September 11, 2024
Always in our hearts, never forgotten!!!!
M&J Sheifetz
September 11, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Maurice Benei
September 11, 2023
Hi Charlie, -My Heart goes Out to You and Family and I only Wish You we’re Still Here to Enjoy the Fun Times at the Beach I Truly Remember sitting Next to You in H.S. and Remembering, How Much You made me Laugh while our Teacher, Mr Joe G. would get Soo Mad at Us -Your Loving Heart and Great Smile will Always be Unforgettable -You are Truly Missed my Ol’ Friend and Peacefully Rest with Your Lovely Mama -Till We Surf Again -with Much Sincere; Mr Maurice Benei, Holy Cross H.S. class 1984
Maria Tornatore
September 11, 2023
Hey Charles.. another year has passed but your memory lives on in my heart as always. Thinking of you always. Always look over to where you lived when I visit my parents and remember all the fun times we had together. Growing up together was the best. Miss you. Love to you and your family. xo
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M & J Sheifetz
September 10, 2023
RIP Charles
Maria Tornatore
September 18, 2022
Hi Charles - today you would be 56 yrs. old. I tried posting on 9/11 but it wouldn't go through. Thinking of you today and always. Love always, Maria
Marc Grandelli
September 11, 2022
Love and miss you always Charles. This world could use that laugh, love, and selflessness more than ever. Tell Joey love & miss him too. Next season Rangers win the Cup. I watch every game with you, Joey, and my Father in my heart, in my head.
Maria Tornatore
September 18, 2021
Thinking of you on your birthday!
Maria Isabel Martinez
September 12, 2021
Querido Charles, pensandote y extrañandote veinte años despues. Quiero que sepas que tu presencia marco mi vida y que pido por volvernos a encontrar tal como prometimos ese agosto del 2001 cuando nos vimos por ultima vez. Isabel
Pamela Fried
September 11, 2021
Thinking about you Charlie !! You were one of the good ones !! ❤❤
Miss those days! RIP Charles! Always in my heart.
Maria Tornatore
September 11, 2021
Good old days...
September 11, 2021
Miss you Charles.
Maria Tornatore
September 11, 2021
Hi Charles, Here we are 20 years later. I try not to think of what happened to you on that horrible day - I choose to think of all our happy times growing up. Your smile was always so bright. We were so lucky we had each other. We shared so much and I miss you every day. You lived your life with happiness and love and that's all anyone who knew you will remember. You will never be forgotten. I pray for your parents and Joann. Love you and miss you!!
Andrew Natkin
September 11, 2021
Never forgotten and always in our hearts!
Tom purpura
September 10, 2021
Rest In Peace, Charles.
I post this for my dear friend and your late cousin, Lisa Elefante
M & J Sheifetz
September 9, 2021
In Memoriam
M & J Sheifetz
September 11, 2020
RIP Charles
Maria Tornatore
September 11, 2020
19 years....miss you. Took my youngest son for a tour of our old stomping grounds. Taught him how to ride his bike in the back where we played baseball. Showed him the garages and the roof you jumped off of imitating superman. Took him to all the different spots we had our many adventures. Told him so many stories about our childhood. I remember your dad used to call you Charlie Brown.... I remember your mom yelling at your upstairs neighbor when she didn't like us making noise in the hall...Christmas mornings - playing every sport in the street and hanging out in the courts. We had the best times.
I will forever hold you in my heart. Love you always. xoxo
Maria Tornatore
September 18, 2019
Thinking of you on your birthday - always missed and loved...forever in our hearts.
Mike Flisser
September 11, 2019
Sending Love to Charlie and his family and friends today!
Andrew Natkin
September 11, 2019
Charlie - Today and everyday you are in our hearts! The Natkins
Maria Tornatore
September 11, 2019
Hey Charles,
Thinking of you today and always. Miss you and your smile. Today will be another rough one - but you are never forgotten and always in our hearts. xoxo
Maria Isabel Martinez
September 11, 2019
Siempre pensaremos en ti con amor - Isabel
M & J Sheifetz
September 10, 2019
RIP Charles
Maria Tornatore
September 19, 2018
Happy Birthday, Charles. Think about you all the time. You would have been 52 today. You should be here celebrating with your family and friends. Miss you. xo
M & J Sheifetz
September 13, 2018
In Remembrance
Aviva and steve Ungar
September 12, 2018
Another year has come and gone and we still think about you and your family. We miss you and pray you are resting in peace. We will always love you. Rest In Peace wonderful Charles. Aviva and steve and family
Maria Tornatore
September 12, 2018
Hi Charles,
Keeping you in my heart always. 9/11 is always a hard day for me (and all who love you.) I always tell my boys about our adventures as kids and all the fun we had growing up. You are such a big part of my childhood - I don't say were because you still are and always will be. Love you my friend. I know you are smiling in heaven and making everyone else smile. Miss you and love you.
Maria Isabel Martinez
September 12, 2018
My dear Charles, you will always live forever in my heart- Your loving way and tremendous acceptance will always be with me. Our last conversation on August 2001- was so meaningful of the love we shared- I'll forever love you, think of you with a smile and belly laugh every time I think about the silly memories we shared trying to over come our differences. Con amor, Isabel
Pamela Fried
September 11, 2018
Thinking about you Charlie ❤May you forever Rest In Peace .. I still see that smile of yours that could light up a room ❤
Regina Alongi
October 4, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you were thinking of Charles all summer. I wish he was here for you all that knew him even though I never did. He enjoyed his life with all of you I can see.
Anna Florentino
September 11, 2017
You will always be missed. Making sure my grandchildren know about you and what a loving man you were.
Aunt, Anna
Maria Tornatore
September 11, 2017
Hey Charles - once again thinking of you today. My heart breaks for your family as well. I can't imagine the pain this day brings to them since I know how sad I am thinking how we were robbed of the gift of you.
Love and miss you my friend.
Maria <3
September 11, 2017
Charles,
I recently met a friend of yours, his name is Mike he knew you frm Oswego Ave. I live in Princeton N.J. I was working and gotten into a conversation and met someone who knew you. My nephew is looking over me.
Love Aunt Patty
Forever in my Prayers
Charles standing on left at my b'day party a lifetime ago.
Maria Tornatore
September 18, 2016
Happy Birthday, Charles. Today you would have been 50 yrs. old. Hope you know how much you are missed. Love you. xoxo
Maria Tornatore
September 12, 2016
Charles' beach.
Maria Tornatore
September 12, 2016
Spent the day at your beach...remembering you.
Maria Tornatore
September 12, 2016
ballybannon market
September 11, 2016
Our family was fortunate to have met you periodically as a customer at our store in Long Beach, You made a lasting impression with your friendly demeanor and that huge smile. We think of you from time to time and especially on this day. God bless you for making so many people happy. Charlie Doolan.
lisa Elefante
September 11, 2016
I miss you, Cugino,
Rest well, Sleep with the
Angels ...
Charles
Maria Tornatore
September 11, 2016
Cory Crew
September 11, 2016
Charley It is hard to believe its been 15 years since we spent some time working together at PE Stone.It did not take me long to see that you were a man of character,who truly had respect for everyone you met and worked with,and I mean everyone.Looking back,your enthusiasm for your profession and life,your kind nature,touched everyone you knew,and in that way your spirit lives on. Your Brother Cory
Aunt Anna
September 10, 2016
Can't think of you without a smile and without a pain. Love you Charles always,
Maria Tornatore
September 10, 2016
Charles,
Once again I sit here thinking of you. This day breaks my heart every year. It's on a Sunday this year. I am visiting my parents today and will look across the street as I always do and picture us as kids running around the court and doing all the crazy things we did as kids. You are alive and well in my thoughts and will always be. Your smile is something I see when I close my eyes. I miss you and I think about your family and the loss they deal with every day as well. I hope they are well. I'm going to try and make it out to Long Beach tomorrow and find the street named for you and I will smile knowing the impact you had on so many. Love you. xoxox
Patricia LaBella
September 10, 2016
As I look at the sky at night and see the bright stars I see your bright smile.
Pamela Fried
September 9, 2016
Thinking about you Charlie.. I will always remember your beautiful smile that would light up a room..Gone but Never Ever Forgotten..Your Beautiful memory will always shine bright!!Rest easy my Friend <3
August 31, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your family member. I am trying to find someone related to Charles. I have a story that I would like to share. It happened whey my daughter and her husband first visited ground zero about two years ago. I want them to know that I believe his name is living on in my grandson. I have a beautiful story to tell. Please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Thank you. Cindy
September 18, 2015
Happy Birthday, Charles. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you today. xo
Love ya,
Maria
patricia labella
September 12, 2015
LOOKING AT YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE YOUR PHOTO ON GUESS BOOK AND REMEMBERING YOUR HUGS. Forever in my heart.
Love ya Aunt Patty
Aunt Anna
September 11, 2015
At mass today your name was the only one read and the priest did not mispronounce LUCANIA. He said it loud and clear! God, you are so missed.
Marc Grandelli
September 11, 2015
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0bnVAFGX9pE
Marc Grandelli
September 11, 2015
Love u Charles. I'll see u on the other side.
September 11, 2015
Hey Charles...it's now 14 years and I still can't believe you are gone. I always think of you with a big smile. You are missed and loved by so many. Keep smiling down on us. Love you. xo
Maria Tornatore
Pamela Fried
September 11, 2015
Thinking about you Charlie..RIP ❤ Gone but never ever forgotten❤
aviva and Steve ungar
September 10, 2015
Another year has passed and we still think about you. Cheryl and her family put a message for you on the wall at the memorial site. Rest in peace. Still missing you. Forever in our hearts
September 12, 2014
Pensandote, Isabel
September 11, 2014
Thinking of you today and prayers for your family! Eileen Guinee
Aviva and steve Ungar
September 11, 2014
Another year has passed and we are still missing and thinking about you. Rest in peace. Forever in our hearts
Victoria Hastie
September 11, 2014
I can not believe you are gone 13 years now, miss seeing your smiling face. Never forgotten!
Carmela Migliore
September 10, 2014
Another crappy anniversary since the missing of you began. We all love you Charles..
Aviva Ungar
May 22, 2014
The memorial museum is open. True it is too painful to go there. Rest in peace Charles. We all miss you. You were a great guy. With love aviva and Steve Ungar
Maria Tornatore
May 22, 2014
Hi Charles,
The 9-11 memorial is now open - don't know that I could go there. Too painful. Just know I think about you all the time. Love you. xo
M & J Sheifetz
May 21, 2014
Not forgotten.....
S J. Friscia III
May 21, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Larry C
September 11, 2013
R.I.P. Charlie
Mary Rutigliano
September 11, 2013
Your smile will live in everyone's heart. A candle is perfect for you, for you always could light up a room!! Love you, Mary
Patricia LaBella
September 10, 2013
I will never forget your Big Smile and Great Hugs.
Love Aunt Patty
September 10, 2013
Thinking of you every year, prayers for your family and loved ones. Eileen
Maria Tornatore
September 10, 2013
Hi Charles,
Just thinking about you. I have your pictures on my computer and every so often you come up on my screen saver and make me smile. So many people love you and miss you. This time of year is so hard but I think of your smile and it makes it a little easier. I was at my parents house the other day and looked over to your house and thought about all the happy times we shared as kids. I love that there are so many memories of you in my heart and mind. You'll always have a special place with me.
Love you xoxo
Aunt Anna
September 9, 2013
Miss you. I'm taking hope in knowing you are asking God to take care of all of us. Until we meet again. Love you,
September 6, 2013
another year has passed and we still speak of you..my daughter just went to the memorial wall today and saw your name..she remembers you well and said a prayer for you and your family. we will always think about you and miss you..happy birthday also..
with love
aviva and steve
and family
Aviva and Steve Ungar
September 19, 2012
Happy birthday in heaven Charles. We are thinking about you.
Maria Tornatore
September 18, 2012
Happy Birthday, Charles. Just thinking about you with lots of love. I Saw Eric last night and he had some cute pics of you and him from Little League. So cute. We miss you and talked about a lot of our old times together. Happy birthday - I know you are in a better place and are keeping everyone smiling up there as you did when you were here. Love you. xoxo
Aviva and Steve Ungar
September 13, 2012
Another year has gone by but the memories of you are still here and will never be forgotten Rest in peace Charles. You will always be in our hearts and mind
Aunt Anna
September 11, 2012
My heart is breaking today. Can't get out of my mind, what a loss. You were such a joy to be around. Love you forever.
Julanna Santella
September 11, 2012
Dear Uncle Charles.... I've never met you,but mom and dad tell me stories so does grandma and grandpa... you are always showing mom ways to let her know you are always mentally next to her.. If i were to write down the memories of you reminding mom your watching over I woud be here forever. I love you along with the other thousands of people who will also never forget you... Unle Charles I love you more than words can explain... My gardian angel.
September 11, 2012
Charlie, always remember you buddy on this day. You were the best neighbor and friend. Rest in Peace. Joe Sinnona and Family.
M & J Sheifetz
September 11, 2012
In remembrance. Gone too soon.
The Natkin's
September 11, 2012
Thinking about you always :)
September 11, 2012
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult moment. Captured your name this summer at the memorial. Truly an honor to have know you. Eileen Guinee
Carmela Migliore
September 11, 2012
11 years and no less missing and wanting. God Bless you Charles, your life here was amazing, as is your spirit now. love....always...xo
Maria Tornatore
September 11, 2012
Charles, (I remember your dad always calling you Charlie Brown when we were kids) I think about you all the time. It's funny the things we remember.
Today is always a very tough day for me but I always find myself thinking about all our times together and at least that makes me smile. You are missed so much. You will always be missed... so much. Always. I hope you feel all the love from all your family and friends. We felt the love you gave us and are thankful for whatever short time we shared with you.
Love you,
Maria
xoxo
September 11, 2012
Dear Charlie
Love you and think of you and the family always. i will always treasure the time and love we share together. I would love to see Mom and Dad and know that they would love to do it too.
te quiero amor,
Isabel
[email protected]
Victoria Hastie
September 11, 2012
11 years has gone by and it still feels like it happend last year. Im still next door to your old house and the reminder of seeing you walk up the walk way and having rambo in the back yard is still crystal clear. You are dearly missed and never forgotten. Forever in my prayers and heart.
Lisa LaBella-Brighton
September 10, 2012
I would like to express gratitude on behalf of my Aunt and Uncle (Charles's parents) for all the heartfelt, beautiful posts offered in this guest book. As you all can imagine reading (and responding) to them is quite difficult for them.
Please know that I do share the sentiments offered with my aunt and uncle from time to time and that they truly appreciate them.
We will continue to remember Charles, by reminiscing about all the great times we shared together, never allowing his memory or our love for Charles to fade.
We ask that you please do the same and pray for Peace on Earth. Thank you again.
Frank Licata
September 10, 2012
I can't believe 11 years has come and gone.I still cannot believe that Charles is not here.His prayer card is forever present on my refrigerator.Last year,me and other firemen rode our bicycles from Montauk to Washington D.C. for the 10th Anniv.Every day they handed out pics of the dead FF's to the riders. on the last day going into DC I had Charles pic on my handlebars.He brought me across the finish line. Thanks buddy. My sons middle name is Charles. I could think of no greater way to honor you. Matthew and Emma know you as Uncle Charlie. My one great regret was missing the Labor Day cue. I wish I could have been there. So as not to end on a sad note I will leave you with an all time classic Charlie line. Several weeks before his passing he met my mother in the bank line of Astoria Federal. Through their conversation about this and that he says to my mom "Mrs. Licata, what do people do on Sunday if they are not Italian". Sunday was what Charles was all about, because it meant family,friends,God, and most importantly, as only Charles could say "the gravy".No Greater Love Moe.
Susan Warner
July 7, 2012
I live in Madison, Ct near the water just like Charles did. A few days after Sept 11 I went to our library where you could open a book of people who died on that awful day. I opened the book , closed my eyes and ended up picking Charles' name. I made a copy of his obituary and picture and have kept it in my room where I do my art work. I see his picture every day and I just want you to know that i am so sorry for your loss and even though we never met Charles and our family have a lot in common. My father in law was named Charles, we LOVE the water, have a dog and are a close knit family. I finally visited the site in NYC just a few months ago and touched Charles name on the stone. It was pouring rain and I was crying at the huge loss for your family. I hope you get this note as I have wanted to send some kind of message to you.
Susan
Maria Tornatore
September 18, 2011
Happy Birthday, Charles. Thinking of you. I am going to see if I can find your street in Atlantic Beach today. Sending lots of love your way. Lots of love to your parents and Joann as well. xo
Martino, BenHill Agosta
September 14, 2011
Miss you Charloots, never a day goes by without something reminding me of that tragic day that you were taken from us. Memories of you always smiling and making us laugh will keep you in our hearts forever .. Rest in Peace my brother til we meet again...
MaryAnn Sheridan
September 12, 2011
May you rest peacefully knowing your spirit forever lives on. God bless your soul, those souls who left with you and your family for the place in their hearts that remains eternally yours. God rest your soul Charles.
M & J Sheifetz
September 11, 2011
In Remembrance
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you and your family. Rest in peace old friend. Eileen Guinee
Robert Goldberg
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you. God bless you.
Risa Huzarsky
September 11, 2011
Thinking about you charles! You will forever be in my heart.
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