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Joe Lucia Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joe Lucia
Sandra Cobb
September 21, 2021
I will never forget Joe Lucia. He was always so generous and had such great stories. I have great memories of visiting Rudi's, as a customer and a member of the staff of his CPA firm. Joe, Jr., I hope that you and your family are doing well. Your dad was the greatest. He will always be in my heart. I see Donna when I come back to Houston and we always share great stories about your dad. He was one of a kind.
Sandra Cobb
October 22, 2004
Carmen & Joe, Jr.
Your Dad was one of the kindest and most generous people God ever put on earth. I was often at Rudi's since I worked for John Braden and I was always impressed with his old world courtesy and charm. My son and his wife had their engagement dinner at Rudi's. John gave me a fabulous going away dinner at Rudi's. It was wonderful. The first Christmas after I left Houston, Joe sent me the most beautiful basket of Poinsettas that I have ever seen. I was really touched by that. I know that your Dad is in a better place today and he and St. Peter are probably talking football.
Sandee Corrigan Jenkins
October 20, 2004
There will never be another like Joe Sr. He was so kind and generous. When I worked as a hostess at Rudi's (best job I ever had!), he always made me feel special. I remember commenting to Joe that I dreaded turning 30. He responded, "Oh my dear, don't you know? You are just beginning to realize your true beauty." I'll never forget those encouraging words and I have passed them on to other women numerous times. A time or two, Joe would press a one hundred dollar bill into my palm when he knew I was struggling. His generosity was an example and an inspiration to me. He was one in a million, and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Carole Boyer
October 6, 2004
Carman: I was sorry to hear about your Dad. I never knew him personally, but Donna loved him and that was enough for me! I know he will be missed by all of you. You are in our prayers. My Mom & Dad, Charlie & Dee Lemaster, send their regards. God Bless you and your family.
Beverly & David Cummings
October 5, 2004
Joe, Jr. Your dad was the best of the best. We have such great memories of him at Rudis and the stories he'd tell. We know he's in a better place but our sympathy is with you and your family.
Fran Michael
October 3, 2004
Dear Joe Jr. and Carman,
Gosh! What a wonderful person your Dad was! I can't think of Houston without thinking of Joe. We all had more fun than we ever deserved. There will never be "another Joe Lucia". No one was kinder and more generous. We had so many laughs together. If I had known of Joe's passing I would have been at the funeral, someone called me and left word as I was out of the country. Now we all know Joe is looking out for us! He loved both of you very much.
Love, Fran Michael
Mario Martinez
October 2, 2004
Dear Carmen and Joe Jr.,
We want to give you our deepest condolence. We will always have Joe Sr. in our thoughts, and every one of our prayers. My family will profoundly miss him. I will never forget all of the great times I had while working at Rudis. He is a person who will deeply be missed by everyone who knew him. We wish you the best of luck at this time of mourning.
-Mario & Family
Donna (Langdon) Gehret
September 30, 2004
Joe Jr. and Carmen, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear about your dad. He was really one of a kind, as you know! It has been so long since working at Rudi's but I have so many wonderful memories. I know this is a difficult time for you. I hope that everything else is going well in your lives and with your families. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam Miller
September 30, 2004
My sincere condolences to all the family. Mr. Lucia was such an incredible person. In my early "DeBakey" days, Mr. Lucia was so kind and thoughtful. He was always taking care of everyone. I've missed him now for many years and have wondered about him so many times. He has and will always have a spot in my heart! I know he will be truly missed and my thoughts are with you all. He was certainly one of the best, most kindest people I have ever known.
Jan Stailey
September 29, 2004
Dear Carmen,
You and your family are in our prayers.
Jan Stailey and the families and staff of The Rise School of Houston
Sam Olivares
September 29, 2004
Our Deepest condolences to the family. What memories I have during the good old days when Joe was running Rudi's. Took my prom date & friends their and Joe took care of me like I was part of the family. Joe has been coming to my dad's hair salon, Estevan's Hair Studio, for many years and my dad, Steve Olivares, has been taking care of him until his final days. I remember when Joe would call my dad to see if we wanted to make extra money working at his restaurant, and I really enjoyed following him around the restaurant to see how he worked his operation. I also remember when Joe had Paul Anka call my mom, Alicia, knowing that my mom was a big fan of his(my mom just melted when she heard Paul Anka's voice on the phone). Donna, hope you will still stop by Estevan's just to say hello to us. Joe, thanks for the great memories and kind heart of yours. You will truly be missed by the Olivares family.
Martha Class
September 29, 2004
Dear Carmen & Joe, Jr.,
I wanted to offer my condolences over the loss of your father. I did not know that he was the owner of Rudi's Restaurant, I remember that restaurant well. I had the opportunity to eat there as a child back in the 1960's. It was a very nice restaurant and I remembered being treated well when I ate there. I remember that there was often an antique car parked near the front entrance of the restaurant.
I know even though you will miss him terribley, you will have the memory of him that will live in your heart forever.
Sincerely,
Martha, daughter of Bernice
Judy Gill Ewing
September 28, 2004
I will never forget all the great times we all had with your Dad at Rudi's. Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I send my deepest sympathy and love to you all. Judy Gill Ewing
Tracy Barr
September 28, 2004
Joe Sr. had a wonderful personality and a great big heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe Jr., Carmen and the family.
Marybeth Wright
September 28, 2004
"Papa Joe", as he was fondly known in my family, was the prevayere of great food, good laughs and a warm heart that extended out even to his friends children. As a kid, being in his restaurant was a big deal because you were your own personal chef! Anything you wanted you could have! If it was your birthday then not only did you get the world’s best dessert (and the largest to a kid) but you were treated like royalty. This is something that I hear was not uncommon with him and the way he treated his guests, family and friends. With that I’m not surprised at all.
Con l'Amore e con Dio Benedice Papa Joe!
Washington Garcia
September 28, 2004
To Joe Jr. and Carmen: Mr Lucia will always be remembered for his big smile and his generosity. Whenever I get together with anyone of the guys that worked at Rudi's, we always remember the good times we spent working for him.
My prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
God bless.
Washington
Kathleen LaBarba-Wicker
September 28, 2004
Dearest Joe Jr. and Carmen,
Papa Joe will always be in our hearts. He was the dearest. I know that he is at peace. Our prayers are with you and your entire family. I know that he is in good company, Mother and Daddy are with him and loved him just as much. Give Donna our love.
Kathleen, MaryBeth, Hans, Phillip & Christina
Barbara & Charlie Epperson
September 27, 2004
Our deepest sympathy to Joe Jr., Carmen and their families. Your Dad was the best. He will be dearly missed.
Michael & Terrie Tamborello
September 27, 2004
Our Deepest condolences to the family and our prayers are with you
rebecca finch adams
September 27, 2004
There were many employees of Post Oak Bank who always went to Rudis at least 3 times a week. Joe would always greet us with a smile an a hug. A true gentleman. To Joe, Jr. and the entire Lucia family, our deepest sympathy.2 of the many former employees of Post Oak Bank, Loretta Scardino Williams and Rebecca Finch Adams.
God Bless you Joe, Sr.
sammy & Carol tamborello
September 27, 2004
Deepest condolences from the Tamborello's.
Douglas Dickerson
September 27, 2004
Our deepest condolences to the Lucia family at this time of loss.
Doug & Charlene Dickerson
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