Louis Thomas Luca, Jr., age 95 years, of Denville, NJ, died suddenly and peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at at the home of his son, David, in Easton, PA.

Born at home in Cranford, NJ, March 5, 1925, son of the late Louis Thomas Luca, Sr. and Mary Roca Luca, Louis was raised in Cranford and had formerly lived for many years in Flemington and Haworth, NJ.

Working for years in the printing industry, Louis first was employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in the 1940’s in Cranford. In the 1950’s and 60’s he worked for the renowned local Hunterdon County, NJ newspaper, The Democrat, as a pressman. Then, in 1968, he opened his own printing business in Frenchtown, NJ which he operated until 1985. Never quite retiring, in 1990 Louis would go back to work as a printer in the printing department of Pascack Valley Hospital, Westwood, NJ until finally retiring in 2005.

Family was everything to Louis; he worked hard to help support his family and was there for them in all ways. His own family grew after Louis was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1946, having served for three years in the Quartermaster Corp. Upon his discharge, he married his love, Mary Rita Coccia Luca, and their union would produce four children. Maureen, Louis, David, and Jeffrey all recall fond memories of their father and the many life lessons he taught them.

Louis’s love of grammar and especially reading, is what brought him into the printing world and where he thrived. His collection of books rivaled many libraries. He also developed a love of photography, and went to NYC where, with the help of the G.I. Bill, he took photography classes which led him to a part time ‘gig’ as a free-lance photographer. This background also helped in another job he had later in life where he worked for the Multiple Listing Service taking photos of homes for sale all over the state.

Growing up with a tremendous Catholic faith, Louis was an altar boy growing up and found hope in every part of life, both during the good times, as well as some of the tougher times. He was a longtime member of St. Magdalen Church, Flemington, NJ and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In Matthew 5:1-9, we hear these words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Louis was a child of God, and did all he could to make this world a better place by being loving and kind. His legacy will surely live on through those that love him and were touched by him throughout his time on Earth. He will be missed, but his lessons endure.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ned and Carmen Luca; a sister, Mary Ann Beyerman; and his longtime companion, Connie Cookson.

Surviving are his children, Maureen Luca, Louis and Hope Luca, David and Jayne Luca, and Jeffrey and Denise Luca; eight grandchildren, Tom, Ray, Michelle and Joe Emily, Phill, Alex, Ashley, and Kelly; three great grandchildren, Marah, Joey, and Caleb; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Matthew Marinelli will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ, 08822, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is asked to arrive at the church on Wednesday morning beginning at 10:15 a.m. Please follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival, and remember that masks must be worn at all times on church grounds and social distancing must be maintained.

Following mass, all are invited to join the family at St. Magdalen Cemetery, North Main Street, Flemington, NJ where Louis will be inurned with military honors.

A private immediate family visitation and words of prayer and committal, followed by cremation at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ, took place under the care and direction of the Wright & Ford Licensed Care Team Family in April, 2020.

Please visit Louis’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution to honor Louis’s life are asked to do so to the Carmelite Monastery in Flemington via ‘In Memory Of’ donations. Please click HERE to be taken to his personal donation page. For those who wish to make a contribution via mail, please make checks payable to ‘In Memory Of’ and mail to P.O. Box 5472, Charlottesville, VA 22905. Kindly note ‘Louis Luca, Jr.’ in the memo.

_____________________________

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”