Robert M. Lucarelli

Robert M. Lucarelli, “Bob”, age 83, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 20, 1931 to Albert and Louise (Polito) Lucarelli. Bob graduated in the Class of ’49 from Central Catholic High School and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Ohio State University. He remained a life-long Buckeye Fan of OSU, never missing a game. He was in the ROTC in college and became 1st Lieutenant in the US Army-Signal Corp, where he was directly involved with the testing of the atomic hydrogen bombs in the 50’s in the Nevada Desert. He later was recalled in 1961 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Bob was the president of Al’s Upholstery Inc, founded by his father Al in 1930. He raised the bar - giving the shop a reputation of artistic design, calling it “Originals by Lucarelli”. The shop continues to operate as a close family business today. Bob was a real winner, successful in everything he did. An extremely gifted artist and craftsman, he designed furniture and buildings, including his parent’s apartment above the business. As early as his high school years, his talent was noted where he was acknowledged in the Pictorial Section of the Toledo Blade for his design of the family home on Summit St., referred to as the “North End Home of Splendor”. In 1957, Bob married the love of his life, Claire. They did everything together through the years and shared the same interests such as traveling, theatre, wine-tasting, decorating and raising 6 children. Bob was thought of as an extremely loving husband and father who considered family to the most important blessing in life. He was incredibly proud of his Italian heritage and was very sentimental reflecting on his family’s past. He was generous and kind, always thinking of others first. His work ethic was greatly admired. He was an avid gardener and his favorite pastime was working outdoors, landscaping, wood working, and photography. He also enjoyed making his own wine. Bob had a charismatic smile and was the life of every gathering, always telling funny stories and making everyone feel good to be around him. He was well loved and respected by family, friends, employees and customers. His childhood friends from St. Francis de Sales Elementary became lifelong friends forming a “Poker Club” that lasted over 50 years. Bob was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, the Alba Club, Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, and a Life Member of the Toledo Animal Shelter. He is survived by his wife Claire, of 57 years, who has been his loving and compassionate caregiver, keeping him home through his long illness; his sons Robert Lucarelli, Jr. Michael Lucarelli, Steve (Carmel) Lucarelli and Frank (Stacee) Lucarelli; daughters LouAnn (Tom) Johnoff and Angie (John) Lavergne; grandchildren Amanda, Heidi, Maria, Erin, Mia, Sophie, Jack, Marisa, Vincent, Angelo and Isabella Lucarelli, Shane and Morgan Johnoff, Elise, Christina and John “Luke” Lavergne. Also surviving are his sisters Edie Obrien, and Rita Peters; brothers Victor (Shirley) Lucarelli, Albert “Sonny” (Georgia) Lucarelli and Tony (Ginny) Lucarelli. Bob will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to express their gratitude for the help and support provided by his care givers Nate and Mary Lou and the staff at Spring Meadows Senior Community. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. on Friday July 4, 2014 from 2-8 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7. Funeral services will begin in the mortuary at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 5th followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Entombment will be at Toledo Memorial Park. The family suggests contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please view Bob’s tribute video and share a memory at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Tributes

Robert M. Lucarelli

May 20, 1931 - June 29, 2014