ANTHONY LUCCHESE

Anthony (Tony, AEL) Lucchese, 93, a long-time Tuckahoe & Eastchester resident passed into the higher worlds on February 20, 2008. Born into one of the founding families of Tuckahoe, Tony's roots were strong and firmly planted in the success of the village and town that he loved and cared about. Tony was born on April 18, 1914 to Maria Grace and Pasquale Lucchese who settled in Tuckahoe in 1902. After completing his education at Manhattan College and Cornell Law School, he dedicated himself to the family stone quarry business that included supplying material for the war effort. He enlisted in the United States Army and served his tour of duty in Italy during World War II. After the war Tony returned to Tuckahoe, starting his own contracting business. A pioneer in suspended acoustical ceilings and plastics, he introduced cutting edge and unique ideas to builders, architects, and owners. Tony often employed local individuals giving them encouragement, help and opportunities to learn a trade and to start their own business. Tony always found a way to make the situation work. He motivated and propelled people to accomplish things they otherwise wouldn't do. Tony married Marjorie Victoria Caputo of Waterbury, CT on December 12, 1941, and together raised three sons, Peter, Paul and John. As a member of the Tuckahoe School Board of Education, Tony was instrumental in obtaining board approval for building the William E. Cottle Elementary School. After retiring from contracting in the 1980's, Tony focused his attention on new technology, in particular computers and the Internet. He formed the New York State Computer Society and trained seniors to become computer-literate. Tony is well-known throughout Westchester for hosting seminars, from starting your own home-based business to making money with the Internet. Tony was the driving force behind bringing wireless Internet access to the Westchester Community College campus. Tony loved to ask a young person who was thinking about embarking on a business career, "What are you taking up in school, besides space?" This question often prompted the individual to think long and hard about a meaningful career. For many years Tony was a spiritual seeker and in 1973 after finding ECKANKAR, the religion of the Light and Sound of God, Tony would make the teachings available to all spiritual seekers. Tony and his wife Marge hosted many spiritual meetings and study groups in their home and throughout Westchester. As a result of their time and dedication many spiritual seekers found answers to life's questions through the teachings of ECKANKAR. Conversations with Tony generally related to self improvement, motivation, new business ideas and technology. Tony was always armed with his manila file folders full of research and articles from business publications and the Internet; ready to discuss and be of help to others, and always bringing out the best in people of all ages. His devotion to his family and friends will be forever remembered and cherished. Tony is survived by his sister Theresa Douglass; his sons Peter (Ginny), Paul (Stacia) and John (Carolyn); Patricia Lucchese; granddaughters Christine Lucchese Mavra, Stephanie Beyers, Denise Fama, Allison Lucchese, and Jessica Lucchese; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by Marge, his wife of 63 years; his sisters Carmella Pace, Rose Pucci; and his brother Nicholas. Those wishing to make a donation in Tony's name may contribute to: ECKANKAR Building Fund, P.O. Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000. Please visit www.tonylucchese.blogspot.com to enjoy learning more about Tony. Always the optimist and radiating encouragement and enthusiasm, Tony leaves a legacy of guidance, service and love. .