Michael G. Luchetti

Andover Township – Michael G. Luchetti "Low Rider", 57, passed away at home on Saturday, July 14th surrounded by his loving family. "Lowie" is at peace and without pain after fighting his battle against lung cancer. Michael had a great love and appreciation of his family, and quite often reminisced and recounted tales of the "Sipley Clan" and the "Luchetti Crew"! Michael was born and raised in Sussex County, only leaving for one year when his family moved to McDougall, NY. Everyone who knew Mike knew he was a die-hard Giants fan and an even bigger Yankee Fanatic. He was an avid athlete himself, excelling in baseball, wrestling and softball. Michael's involvement in sports began at a young age, starting in Little League at age 7 and then Babe Ruth and Legion Baseball. He was the first County Wrestling Champ from St. Joseph School. He was a two time County Wrestling Champion while wrestling for Pope John XXIII Regional HS. While attending school in NY State, Mike played baseball at Romulus Central HS, winning the 1971 NY State Division 1 State Championship. Mike played softball in the Church League for the "Saint Joe's Sinners" for many years, helping them earn 20 League Championships. He also played many years of softball with 'Celebrity' teams such as H & Company, the Storm Troopers, Second Home and DAR. Michael was predeceased by his parents, Mario "Beef" and Fannie (Sipley) Luchetti. He is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife of 13 years, Bonnie (Lang) Luchetti; his sister, Nancy Luchetti-Mettler and her husband, Brian Mettler, and daughter, Caitlin; as well as his little brother, Joey Luchetti. He is also survived by his in-laws, Bob and Anne Lang; sisters/brothers-in-law, Kerry and Barry Johnson and Michael and Noel Goldman; Scott Lang and Bobby Lang. Michael is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Mike had a special place in his heart for his nieces, Alyssa (Uncle Mike's "Candy Maker"/Caretaker) and Caitlin ("Brat"), who brought him many happy proud moments. He is also survived by his special "Guardian Angel" Bev. Funeral services will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the Smith McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton. A 10 a.m. Mass celebrating Mike's life will follow at St. Joseph RC Church, Halsted Street, Newton. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private at a future date selected by the family. In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made to the "Mike Luchetti Scholarship Fund for St. Joseph School" c/o Pope John XXIII HS, Angels Fund – 28 Andover Road, Sparta, NJ 07871 (to benefit a student from St. Joe's who will be attending PJHS.) or to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave, Newton, NJ 07860. The Luchetti Family would like to extend a loving warm thanks to Mike's hospice nurse, Julie Osborne, his angel in disguise…Mike liked visiting with Julie, even though she is a Red Sox fan; to all his friends and caretakers at the Sparta Cancer Center…most especially Becky and JoJo and Dr. H.; and finally, to ALL Mike's friends and family…he was so grateful for your love and support, not only during these past few difficult months, but his entire life.