Joseph Lucania, age 98, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of the late Donnatella (Trentini). Joe was born in New York City on May 17th, 1914, to the late Vincent and Margarita Lucania. He returned with his family to Lercara Friddi, Italy, at the age of six months. While in Italy, he attended school, learned carpentry, played in a band, played the clarinet for the King of Italy and learned the art of shoe making. He returned to the United States at the age of 16. In 1939, he married the love of his life, shortly after, moved to Milford, CT and opened Devon Shoe Repair, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2003. Joe was a parishioner of St. Ann Church, he enjoyed gardening, cooking, opera and dance. But most important was his family. Joe served on the Milford Town Committee in the 1960's. In 1992, he was honored as a Member of the Community Who Helped Guide Milford and in 2007, he was a nominee of the Milford Living Treasure Award. Joe was the beloved father of his cherished daughters, Margaret (Al) Anderson and Catherine (John) Jasminski. Poppy was treasured by his grandchildren, Joseph Anderson, Bryan (Shannon) Kane, Eric (Cindy) Anderson, John (Bree) Jasminski, Jr. and Joseph (Heather) Jasminski. Poppy was cherished by his great grandchildren, Cassandra, Bryan and Anthony Kane, Isabella Anderson, Reese and Jake Jasminski, Brea, Noah and Ella Galbreath and Emme Jasminski. He was also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his special companion of many years Alvina Marchetti. Joe was better known as the Shoe Maker "King" of Devon Shoe Repair. He was loved and adored by all who crossed his path. Friends are invited to greet the family on Thursday morning, April 25th from 9:00-10:30AM in The Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM in Saint Ann Church, 501 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford. Interment will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Milford. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com

Published by Connecticut Post on Apr. 24, 2013.