FRANCIS “RICHIE” LUCE, 77, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away peacefully with his family and friends at his bedside. Richie was born in Bayonne, New Jersey to the late Frank and Jean Luce and moved to Vero Beach in 1990 from Marlboro, Massachusetts with his wife, Elizabeth Miga Luce, who predeceased him in 1990. Richie was a graduate of Rutgers University and had worked for George E. Warren, Corp. in Vero Beach. He was a member of the Italian American Club and the Elks Lodge in Vero Beach.
Survivors include his daughters Eve Marie Eklund (Matthew) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Danaan Fasano of Bloomfield, New Jersey and Libette Luce (Jason) of Bedminster, New Jersey; sisters Claire Konopka (Joseph) and Geraldine Calabrese (Frank) of Bayonne, New Jersey; his life partner of 24 years Carolann McDevitt of Vero Beach; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addItion to his wife Elizabeth, Richie was preceded in death by his brother Robert.
Richie was one of the most intelligent, witty, worldly and charismatic men ever. He lived the life that people could only dream. He touched so many lives and had so many friends. Richie will be greatly missed by all. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America, Inc., 3230 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.
The family will receive friends 3-7 PM, Sunday, August 3, 2014 at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach. Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM, Monday, August 4, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Fort Pierce, Florida. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (8/2/14)
Indian River Guardian 