Luciano "Lucky" Montefusco

On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the Montefusco family lost their patriarch and hero; Luciano Montefusco “Lucky”. Lucky was born in Lanciano, Italy on December 23rd, 1950. He moved to the United States with his mother and sister in 1970. He loved this country and one of his proudest moments was becoming an American Citizen in 1992.

Lucky met his wife Terry in 1976 and they have had a loving relationship spanning 45 years. During his life he worked at the Vatican, was a pipe fitter, an interior designer, an artist and property manager. He loved Space and used his imagination to construct models and various pieces of art which he displayed at museums and on television broadcasts. Lucky enjoyed his time founding and administering his online social club “The Italian Blood Buddies”.

Lucky was predeceased by his father, Alberto Montefusco. He is survived by his wife Terry Montefusco; mother Anna Montefusco; son William Montefusco; daughter-in-law Yesenia Montefusco, two grandsons, Jason and Julian; sister Rita Piccinich, and hundreds of other family and friends whom he brought cheer and levity to every day.

Friends and family are invited to honor Lucky’s memory on July 8th, 2021, at 6:00pm at the Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens located at 2323 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, Florida 33511. His funeral will follow at 10:00am on July 9th, 2021 at the same location.

"To Lucky from his wife Terry"

Lucky,

How do you say good-bye to someone you’ve spent 45 years with? You Don’t!

I’ve been thinking about all the time we’ve shared together. As I go through all our pictures so many memories flood my mind.

From the beginning ……. “I like you and want to be with you, do you want to get engage, get married or live together?” My response was, I like you too, I have nothing to do after I graduate let’s get married! Married it was!

Wow what a whirlwind it has been; living in New York; our first apartment together on the third floor. I remember during our second year together; you carried six bags of groceries up three flights of stairs before coming down to get me as I huffed and puffed because I was carrying our beautiful baby. You panicked at our sons delivery, “if it’s a boy what will we name him”? I responded with Willie! I remember all our discussions about our son throughout the years. You were so proud of him as a child, and even though you did not say it as much, you were even more proud when he became an adult. We did good Lucky!

You always supported me in whatever I decided to do, and I sure did come up with things. Whether it was going back to school or changing careers, you were there rooting me on. I would volunteer (us) for so many things, knowing you would complain, then throw yourself into it. In the end you always loved and enjoyed it. It always gave you a good story to talk about afterwards.

You watched our beautiful grandsons as tiny babies calling them your jewels. You had a special relationship with Jason and was always so proud of Julian. You spoke of all his accomplishments to everyone.

You always loved and had a way with people. You had this sparkle that would come alive when you told a joke or story. Everyone would be mesmerized and loved hearing them. Even if they heard it more than once, they still enjoyed it again. It was just your way. You made everyone you met laugh. I felt such pride standing next to you seeing the admiration you received.

You loved your family. I don’t think they all understood just how much, but l saw how you would jump to their side when they were in need. You took such good care of my Mom. She adored you as if you were her own and I know you felt the same way about her.

How could we not talk about your talents! Oh so many!! I would bring home something for you to repaint/redo in some way. You would complain and say, “you think I can do anything”. I did think that, because sure enough you would do it and it would be exactly what I wanted. Our home was custom designed by you and is filled with so many of your paintings. I would take a nap and wake to see a new one. You were born with an incredible talent and you shared it with everyone.

Your imagination! All the spaceship models you built and hung from every inch of our apartment. How exciting that time was. Watching you build one after another, each so different and more extraordinary than the last. It was always so breathtaking to watch them be displayed in museums and television shows. Anyone who saw them was astonished at the details. Outstanding!

Your musical ear! You gave us so much enjoyment when you played the harmonica and piano. I remember poor Willie would work so hard at learning a song on the piano. When he got done practicing you would walk over to the piano and just start playing the song as if you had been playing it for years.

I have no doubt our loved ones were waiting to welcome you into heaven. I’m sure as you entered you were making everyone laugh with some story. Kiss them all for me.

I have no words to express how much I will miss you. You have given me 45 years of laughs, cries, surprises, devotion, and most importantly love. I believe in us being together again. Prepare for me to be by your side again one day. I love you with all my heart.

Like you said – It has been a great ride.

Your Teenager