Felix Lizzul

Felix (Felice, “Srecko”) Lizzul, aged 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, born in St. Lorenzo d’Albona, Istria, Italy (St. Lovrec of Labin, Istria, Croatia), died peacefully surrounded by his family at Hope Hospice on Easter Sunday April, 16, 2017 in Cape Coral, Florida. His passions included food, entertaining, dancing, storytelling, and spending time with his family. He always loved to laugh, a good joke, and most of all to cook and enjoy food. His fascination with food good goes back to his childhood in Istria, a region of northeastern Italy that is now part of Croatia. Unable to continue living is Istria, which was ceded by Italy to Communist-controlled Yugoslavia after World War II, he left home, his parents (Paolo and Anna), and family to start a new life and become an apprentice cook on a transatlantic ship when he was only age 16. As part of that adventure he made his way to the new world, “the land of opportunity”, and landed in Hoboken, NJ where he reunited with his brother, John Luciano.

Felix met his beautiful and loving wife Nives, who also immigrated to the US from Dalmatia, Croatia, at a dance in NYC shortly after arriving in the US, and the rest is as they say “history.” Felix and Nives settled in Northern NJ, just outside of NYC and started a wonderful life together, raised and were devoted to each other and their children. Felix was a successful chef and “lover of food” in NYC for 30+ years. He participated in various successful culinary endeavors, delighting patrons and family and friends with many diverse styles of cuisine, including his Istrian specialties, until his retirement. Upon retirement, snowbirds Felix and Nives made their way to southwest Florida and enjoyed the golden years of life together in Cape Coral, Florida, enjoying the warm weather, sunsets, palm trees, beach, cooking gourmet meals, just being together as a loving couple and fun times with their children, grandchildren, friends and extended family. Felix was independent, strong and devoted to his wife and family until his last days. His legacy endures through their spirit and continuing quest for enjoying life and “doing the most you can” each day.

Felix is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Nives Lizzul, daughter Grace Giliberti and husband Pellegrino, granddaughter Gabriella, daughter Nancy Lizzul-Sumberaz and her former husband, George, grandchildren Phillip and Nicholas, his son Paul F Lizzul, wife Dawn-Marie, grandchildren, Paul FW and Alexander A, brother John Luciano and wife Carol, their daughters Mary and Annette and by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and close friends here in the US and abroad in Croatia and Italy.

The family will receive friends on Thursday April 20th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cape Coral, Florida. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 pm on Friday April 21st at St Katherine Drexel Church, Cape Coral. For condolences, directions, or information please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com . Flowers or in lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Felix Lizzul to Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Florida are welcome.

Arrangements under the direction of Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, Cape Coral, FL.