Luke Charles Rao, 64, died unexpectedly on April 25, 2018, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was born to Charlie and Josephine Romeo Rao on June 25, 1953, in Houston, Texas. He attended Holy Name Catholic School, Resurrection Catholic School, St. Thomas High School, and Massey Business College.
Luke was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a computer programmer at Rice University. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and his dogs. He found his passion in collecting recipes and spent hours of enjoyment each day on his computer. His recipe collection totaled over 6,000. Luke’s favorite dish was “shrimp fra diavalo” especially when prepared by his brother Tony. Luke faced multiple health challenges throughout his adult life with fierceness. Despite these challenges, Luke always summoned energy to share his extensive knowledge of computers and IT with his nieces and nephews.
Luke is survived by his mother, Josephine Rao; his sister, Jo Ann Rao Johnson, and husband, Walter; his brother, Paul Michael Rao; nieces and nephews, Matthew Johnson and wife, Kate; Sarah McWhorter and husband, Neil; Stephen and Caroline Rao; Ashley and Anthony Rao Jr.; great nieces and nephews, Nolan, Cormac, Bowen and Jane Johnson; Grace and Maggie McWhorter, numerous cousins and friends; special uncle, Michael Bua Sr. and special aunt, Mary Danna Romeo. Luke is predeceased by his father Charlie Rao and brother Anthony Joseph (“Tony”) Rao.
Serving as pallbearers are: Ciro Bua, Luke Thomas Rao, Luke Joseph Pomilla, Michael Bua Jr., Larry Romeo, and Sal Pomilla.
Family and friends will gather during a visitation at 9:30am on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in the sanctuary of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman St. in Houston. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the Faith in Action Campaign at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School or St. Thomas High School.
