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BORN
1953
DIED
2018
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Luke Rao Obituary
1953-2018
Luke Charles Rao, 64, died unexpectedly on April 25, 2018, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was born to Charlie and Josephine Romeo Rao on June 25, 1953, in Houston, Texas. He attended Holy Name Catholic School, Resurrection Catholic School, St. Thomas High School, and Massey Business College.
Luke was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a computer programmer at Rice University. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and his dogs. He found his passion in collecting recipes and spent hours of enjoyment each day on his computer. His recipe collection totaled over 6,000. Luke's favorite dish was "shrimp fra diavalo" especially when prepared by his brother Tony. Luke faced multiple health challenges throughout his adult life with fierceness. Despite these challenges, Luke always summoned energy to share his extensive knowledge of computers and IT with his nieces and nephews.
Luke is survived by his mother, Josephine Rao; his sister, Jo Ann Rao Johnson, and husband, Walter; his brother, Paul Michael Rao; nieces and nephews, Matthew Johnson and wife, Kate; Sarah McWhorter and husband, Neil; Stephen and Caroline Rao; Ashley and Anthony Rao Jr.; great nieces and nephews, Nolan, Cormac, Bowen and Jane Johnson; Grace and Maggie McWhorter, numerous cousins and friends; special uncle, Michael Bua Sr. and special aunt, Mary Danna Romeo. Luke is predeceased by his father Charlie Rao and brother Anthony Joseph ("Tony") Rao.
Serving as pallbearers are: Ciro Bua, Luke Thomas Rao, Luke Joseph Pomilla, Michael Bua Jr., Larry Romeo, and Sal Pomilla.
Family and friends will gather during a visitation at 9:30am on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in the sanctuary of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman St. in Houston. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the Faith in Action Campaign at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School or St. Thomas High School.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Luke Rao
Sponsored by Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home.
Karen Vitanza-Ruffner
May 7, 2018
Dear Rao family , So sad to read about Luke's passing . Rest In Peace to Luke. Remembering him from Holy Name Catholic school. Although he was not in my class,we were a close school. Of the Italians there seemed like there was a wedding very often and we saw each other there too. Some how lots of us are related or almost related. Mrs Rao are prayers for you. Heaven is yours says the Lord. Karen Vitanza Ruffner
May 7, 2018
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Luke's passing. I am in Human Resources at Rice. Luke would call me at least twice every year and inquire about his health insurance and the rates. Although we never met, he became disabled just after I started, we talked all the time and I always wondered how he was doing if more than six months passed without me hearing from him. I am going to miss his calls. I am so very very sorry for your loss.
Pauline Leaumont
May 4, 2018
Mrs. Rao and family I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. You will always have the memories of Luke and he will be forever in your heart. Pauline Consoli Leaumont
May 4, 2018
Luke was part of our extended family and he will be missed. We are happy at this time of loss that he is reunited in heaven with those that have gone before him. We also find comfort knowing that the health limitations he had in his earthly life are now met with complete freedom. Luke was an inspiration to many in his determination to be independent in the most difficult of times. It is heartwarming to experience the love, compassion, support, and strength of the Rao Family at the Services for Luke earlier this week.
May your sorrow turn to joy in the healing power of time.
Lots of Love - Lisa, Anabela & Jerome
May 3, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Emilee Lake
May 1, 2018
My condolences to Luke's family and all those who loved him. I worked at D'Amicos in the early 80's and always felt like the Rao, Bua and Petronella boys treated me like a little sister.
Memories of the good food & good times as young people and the knowledge of reunion of all in heaven will comfort me. I wish the same for all here.
Mary Ann Prado(Matamoros)
May 1, 2018
JoAnn and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
May God enfold you in his loving nd caring arms in your time of need.
Ashley
April 30, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. Ecclesiastes 9:5 highlights the truth about death
Evans family
April 30, 2018
I pray God comfort and sustain you all now and in the days to come. We'll cherish the memories until we see Luke again. John 11:43, 44
kristin
April 30, 2018
You are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences. IS 41:10
Steve Palermo
April 26, 2018
I attended high school with Luke and can assure you he was well liked throughout the school. He had a way of making us laugh. I am fortunate to have known him for those years.
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