F. Jack Luzzi

1915 - 2017

F. Jack Luzzi

WWII Veteran

AGE: 102 • Lewes

Born on March 28, 1915, a longtime resident of Lewes, DE, Jack passed away peacefully on May 11, 2017, at his home, with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Angelo and Philomina Luzzi. As an infant, his family moved to Northern New Jersey, where he graduated from Nutley High School in 1934. After graduation, he realized that because of the Great Depression, there were no local jobs available. He decided to take work abroad in the Civilian Conservation Corps that was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This decision to work for the CCC, he would later claim, was one of the most rewarding events of his life. His assignments would take him to Tennessee, Washington State, and Delaware. Once in Lewes, he immediately fell in love, and married Ruth Warrington. They remained happily married for 54 years.

With the outbreak of World War II, he was called to serve in 1942, becoming a member of the United States Army Air Corps. After basic training at Seymour Johnson Air Field in Goldsboro, NC, he was deployed to a Repair Depot in Warrington, England, in support of the European Theatre of Operation. After serving 2 ½ years overseas, he was honorably discharged, earning the rank of S/SGT, and returned back home to Lewes.

After his return home, he accepted a job with the Federal Civil Service at Fort Miles, in Lewes. When the Base closed, he was transferred to Dover Air Force Base. He retired from the Federal Civil Service in 1973. He then became a teller with Sussex Trust Bank in Lewes, retiring in 1980.

He was a member of the Lewes Lions Club for over 50 years, holding the office of President in 1954 and 1964. He also was a 2 time Zone Chairman, and Deputy District Governor at the Lion's District level. In May, 1971, he was Chairman of the 22nd District Luncheon at the 49th Annual Convention in Cape May, NJ. Jack played a leading role in establishing the Lewes Senior Center, and served as its first President. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, and Lector at both St. Edmonds, and St. Jude's Catholic Church. He was President of the St. Edmonds Parish Council from 1974 to 1975. He was a member of the Lewes Historical Society, and the Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge #2540.

His hobbies included camping, fishing, crabbing, and gardening. He loved to dance, and watch the hummingbirds at the many feeders he placed around his yard. Most of all, he loved being with his family.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Ruth (Warrington) Luzzi; his son, William; son-in-law, Louis A. Rickards and brothers William, Orlando (Mickey), Leonard, and Frank.

He is survived by his daughter, Naomi L. Rickards; grandson, William J. (Hank) Rickards and his wife Jeannie; granddaughter, Patricia L. Dickerson and her husband Woody; great-grandson, Michael Rickards; great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Arnett; great-great-grandson due any day, Christopher J. Rickards and his sister, Carmella Denton of Ottowa, KS.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 16th from 6 - 8 PM at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Rd., Millsboro, DE. Services will also be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 17th at 12:00 PM, where friends may call after 11 AM. Interment will be at the Millsboro Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com