Virgilio Luciani

Virgilio Luciani died peacefully on December 21, 2012. He was born on March 21, 1919 in Hoboken New Jersey to Michele and Agnese Luciani, immigrants from the Foggia region of Italy. He was the youngest of six children, all of whom preceded him in death.

Virgilio proudly served in the US Navy from 1944-46 and was present at the final invasion at Iwo Jima. He attended Steven's Institute of Technology and found his first engineering job at Keuffel and Esser, a Hoboken manufacturer of surveying instruments. At K & E he became a toolmaker, tool designer, and a time study man. He also worked at Independence Engineering in Paterson, New Jersey before moving his family to Raleigh, NC in 1966. His last position before retirement was as a purchasing agent at Atlantic States Bank Card Association. Not one to retire easily, Virgilio’s expertise in manufacturing was utilized as a safety consultant at Captive Aire Inc. of Raleigh. There, he and other 70-somethings formed a team of “Silver Foxes,” repurposed retirees prized for their knowledge, experience, and vitality.

Virgilio is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Anna Rose (née Lorello) of Raleigh, whom he met in New Jersey in1943 as a member of the Coro d’Italia, an Italian American coral group. Music was a very important part of his life, particularly classical and operatic. He played the piano by ear and his intimate knowledge of all types of composers, operas and symphonic facts was unparalleled. In his 46 years in Raleigh, Virgilio took active rolls volunteering at his church, Saint Raphael’s Catholic, the Triangle Italian American Heritage Association and Wake County 55+ club.

He is also survived by his 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, Vincent Luciani (wife Dana) of Charlotte. Virgilio was also a beloved Poppie to 12 grandchildren: Michael Wiegand, Patrick Luciani, Zachary Wiegand, Anna Penny Rose, Sarah Wiegand, Jessica Luciani, Mariana Luciani, William Penny, Anthony Luciani, Gabriel Luciani, Lena Luciani, & Daniel Luciani.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Friday January 4, 2013 at 1pm at Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Road Raleigh, with a reception to follow. The family wishes to thank the staff of both Sunrise and Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care given. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh or Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church.