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Rocco Lucente Obituary
Ithaca - Rocco P. Lucente of Ithaca, NY died on March 12, 2018 at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born April 2, 1929 in Cleveland, OH to the late Francesco and Marianna Lucente who had emigrated from Rutigliano, Italy. After graduating Ithaca High School, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit and embarked on a career building houses. In 1950 he established Lucente Homes, and spent the next 68 years developing affordable homes and apartments for the residents of Ithaca. His real estate development stretched from Warren Road to Sapsucker Woods and Hanshaw Road to Route 13. Along the way he was elected President of the Finger Lakes Home Builders Association, was a member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and the Builders and Remodelers Association. He also served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA and was a life-long member of the Elks Club. Over his lifetime he developed much of Northeast Ithaca, and in recognition of his accomplishments, the Town of Ithaca honored Rocco on his 85th Birthday by renaming Briarwood Drive, "Rocco Lucente Way."
When he wasn't building, you could find Rocco boating on Cayuga Lake or navigating the channels of SW Florida. He was also an avid fan and owner of luxury cars. In his later years he traveled frequently to Italy to visit family. On his last trip he had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis.
He was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church. Over the last several years he developed a fond relationship with the parish priest, Father Joe Marcoux.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Waltraud Lucente, sons Christopher, Steve (Pat), Peter (Janet), and Jonathan Lucente, step-children George, Enrique(Sunny) and Susan (Jeff) Stiles along with Mark (Ann) and Michael (Marissa) Lesselroth. He also leaves behind grandchildren Charisse, Yvette, Vanessa, Veronica, Chris, M-Rocco, Max, Adele, Hannah, Katie, Grace, Logan and Gianna and several great grandchildren, and his loving family in Italy, including his cousins Gaetano Pierri and wife Elisa, who helped care for him until his last day. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Liane Jones and brother Donald Lucente.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 21 from 4 to 7pm at Bangs Funeral Home, on Thursday, March 22 at 10am at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11am. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Hospice care of Ithaca, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Habitat for Humanity, Ithaca SPCA or Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rocco Lucente
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
Christina Plohoros
April 16, 2018
Waltraud, Jon, only just learned this sad news. My son Tony became friends with Jon when in Ithaca Middle School and we moved to "cigarette hill". My warmest condolences.
Sternstein
April 3, 2018
We are so sorry to hear about Rocco. He was a very nice man. Much love to the Lucente family.
The Sternsteins
Ithaca/CA
Angelo Manos
March 21, 2018
Steve,Patty,It's a sad day for Tompkins County and I am sure other municipalities your Dad passed away.He was a premier builder as well as a great family man.May your spiritual beliefs help get your family past this.
Diana Smith (Tripp)
March 19, 2018
My condolences to the entire family. Having worked at Lucente Homes for awhile I realized what a good man Rocco was.
Karen Lowery - Fowler
March 18, 2018
My condolences to the family - especially Jonathan. I have many pleasant memories of the children - Jonathan and Mary - playing at the Warren Road Lucente family home in the 1970's with my daughter Missy (Lowery). I remember Rocco as a gracious host with his wife at that time, my friend, Julie, during those years. It was a happy time.
Pete DeGraff
March 17, 2018
Steve and Patty, It is with deep sadness that I add your father's obituary to my file of dear friends lost and gone. I admired him and found working with him always a pleasure. My heart goes out to you.
Sincerely,
Pete DeGraff
Peter Lees
March 17, 2018
Condolences to Traudel and Family. A great man who led a full life.
My birthday in 1973
Mary Kilby
March 17, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of Rocco's passing. My prayers are with the whole Lucente family. I was blessed to have Rocco as a part of my family during my early childhood. I have such fond memories of him.
March 17, 2018
MRS.LUCENTE PLEASE ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCE
FROM PHILLIP AND MADELINE LA ROCCA ROCCO WAS A TRUE VISION GUY. WE ENJOYED VISITING YOU AND HIM IN FLORIDA WE WILL MISS HIM GOD BLESS
Phil and Sal Quick
March 17, 2018
We have fond memories of a great man. Sending love.
Vinnie Treppiedi Jose Marquez
March 16, 2018
Rocco, it has been a pleasure knowing you. you are a great man and friend....family is a better word. you will be greatly missed in Punta Gorda. we love you
Grandpa Rocco with his great-granddaughter, Isla, in 2012
Yvette Lucente Burggren
March 15, 2018
Grandpa and Yvette, late 90s
Yvette Lucente Burggren
March 15, 2018
Yvette Lucente Burggren
March 15, 2018
In loving memory of Grandpa. I am remembering moments together throughout the years: cooking lobsters in Indian Lake, "Cat got your tongue," boat rides on La Buona Vita, Christmas parties, the porcelain dolls you gave me and Charisse, and how much you loved your cats. I got my entrepreneurial spirit from you, and I'm grateful I got to tell you that a few months ago. You are in our hearts always and we promise to make you proud. Rest in peace.
Joseph Giordano
March 15, 2018
My sincerest condolences to Traudel and the entire Lucente family. I worked for Rocco for 17 years and continued to stay in contact with him for many years after. To say that he had an influence on me would be an understatement. I learned a great deal from him about business, but most of all, I appreciate the support he gave my family. He was always there for us up to the very end. I pray that he is at peace and that his family finds some comfort, knowing that many people cared for him and wish them all the best.
Alexandra Giordano
March 14, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Rocco was an amazing man. I wish the enitre family that you find some peace during this difficult time and in the days ahead. My memories of Rocco listening to Rush Limbaugh and giving me his take on the world will live on. I remember the Christmas parties that Rocco had me wrap presents for all his staff and their children. He enjoyed being Santa Claus. I remember one christmas party where everyone humored my son, Gaetano. They let him help open almost all the presents. Guy believed for years that Rocco could magically grow chocolate in his pocket. Rocco had always treated me and my family very well. When my son passed away on December 2nd 2017, Traudel and Rocco helped us pay for his funeral. Rocco has a place in our hearts forever. Thank you for being the man you were and being a part of my and my family's lives.
Richard Wawak
March 14, 2018
Viesia and I are deeply saddened by the news of Rocco's passing. He was a great man with a vision, a man that helped so many people. His legacy will definitely outlast him by many generations. He was also a man of great spirituality and faith. With our deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family, Richard Wawak and Viesia Hillman.
Katharine Cutia
March 14, 2018
so sorry for your loss.
Loretta MacDonald
March 13, 2018
I am sorry to hear about Rocco's passing. I will always remember the debates around the dinner table with his dad, Don, and Rocco. Family gatherings were full of wonderful food prepared by his mother. I am sure Marianna, Frank and Don welcomed him on his passing.
Jacqueline S Reeves
March 13, 2018
Sorry to hear about your loss, the whole community loved the lucente family, everyone is in my thoughts and prayers
Sandra Fabrizio
March 13, 2018
Rocco was an icon in Ithaca and will be missed. Our families were very close when I grew up and I will always remember Rocco with a smile and something nice to say to everyone. To all his family, my deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences. May he rest in peace.
Ariana Giordano
March 13, 2018
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I know words fall short in times like this, but you have my sincerest condolences. Rest In Peace.
Gay Huddle
March 12, 2018
I am so terribly sorry to learn of Mr. Lucente's passing. I send much love to his beloved family during this very sad and difficult time. xo
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