Anna Rose Luciani

Anna Rose Luciani (née Lorello) died peacefully on August 16, 2016. She was born on June 22, 1918 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Mariano and Giovanna Lorello, immigrants from Sicily. She was the third of four children, all of whom preceded her in death.

Anna had many hobbies and passions. As a young girl, she was taught to sew by her mother and aunts and always made all of her own clothes. After high school, Anna went to the Brooklyn School of Design where she was able to expand on these talents. She took immense pride in her sewing abilities and from 1937-44 Anna worked as a seamstress for couture designer Mabel Downs in New York City, sewing dresses for debutants and society brides. While working in the city, she was able to enjoy many of the amenities New York has to offer. Often after work, Anna would enjoy movies, theater, and dinner with friends. During World War II, Anna worked for Western Electric and after she and her husband moved to Raleigh, NC in 1966, she began working for Amaco.

Anna possessed an unbridled joy for life. She was a constant beacon of happiness for those around her, and took pride in her adoring family. During her many years in Raleigh, Anna was an active member of her community and was one of the founding members of her church, Saint Raphael’s in Raleigh. At Saint Raphael’s, she was a member of the ladies’ altar guild, a Eucharistic minister, and often cooked for various church events. Anna and her husband Virgil were also active in the Triangle Italian American Heritage Association (fitting, since she was awarded a prestigious award for her excellence in grammatically correct Italian in her youth), and the Wake County 55+ Club. Anna was also a participatory member in the Red Hat Ladies Club. Above all, she set an unprecedented example for her family as a joyful and devoted mother and grandmother, providing all of them with unwavering support and love.

Anna is preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Virgilio Luciani of Raleigh, whom she met in New Jersey in 1943 as a member of the Coro d’Italia, an Italian American coral group. She is survived by her five devoted children: Michael Luciani (wife Dail) of Atlanta, Georgia; Agnes Luciani Penny (husband Dale) of Cary; Giannina Luciani Wiegand (husband Paul) of Durham; Ronald Luciani (wife Amy) of Raleigh; and Vincent Luciani (wife Dana) of Charlotte. Anna was a beloved Nonnie to 12 grandchildren: Michael Wiegand, Patrick Luciani, Zachary Wiegand, Anna Penny Rose, Sarah Wiegand, Jessica Luciani Berry, Mariana Luciani, William Penny, Anthony Luciani, Gabriel Luciani, Lena Luciani, & Daniel Luciani. Anna was also a treasured Nonnie to three great-grandchildren: Luciana Wiegand, Mason Wiegand, and James Berry.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Friday, August 19, 2016 at 1pm at Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, with a reception to follow. The family will receive guests from 12–1 PM in the atrium prior to the service.

The family wishes to thank the staff of both Sunrise and Hospice of Wake County for the excellent and compassionate care given. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County (250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC) or the Eastern North Carolina Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be sent through: www.brownwynne.com