Stephen T. Luciano, 98, of Sandy Hook, died peacefully on April 26 with his family by his side.

Mr Luciano was predeceased in 2022 by his loving wife of more than 69 years, the former Sylvia Rita Esposito. He is survived by his son, Thomas, and his wife Lori, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and daughter Lori Grasso, and her husband Bill Mutz, of Sandy Hook. In addition, he is survived by four loving grandchildren: Richard (Ricky) Grasso, Gregory Grasso, Isabella Luciano, and Thomas Luciano Jr.

He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Steve was born in Bronxville, N.Y., on July 7, 1926. He resided primarily in Tuckahoe and Eastchester, N.Y., until 2007 when he and Sylvia moved to Sandy Hook to be closer to their children.

Steve attended The Main Street (primary) School and Tuckahoe High School in Tuckahoe, N.Y. He also attended Fordham Prep in Bronx, N.Y., before enlisting in the US Navy to serve his country in the Second World War. For close to two years, he was stationed near Truk, northeast of New Guinea, in the Pacific Theater region, where he performed crash boat rescue duty during the South Pacific conflict. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Steve resumed high school studies and graduated from Tuckahoe High School in 1947.

Steve attended Washington College in Chestertown, Md., and was a graduate of the Class of 1951. He studied pre-med and civil engineering, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later attended Michigan State University for post graduate study of engineering. It was during his college years that Steve developed a lifelong love of aviation. He earned his private pilot’s license, owning and flying his beloved Piper Cub for several years.

Returning to Eastchester, N.Y., after college, Steve met the love of his life, Sylvia. After a short courtship, they married in April 1953. They settled in Eastchester, where they raised their family among many relatives and extended families from both sides.

A resident of Sandy Hook since 2007, Mr Luciano was a communicant of St Rose of Lima Church. Prior to moving to Sandy Hook, he attended Assumption Church and, later, Immaculate Conception Church, both in Tuckahoe, N.Y. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree) and Holy Name Society. He sang in the Church choir, and was a commentator, and lector for Sunday Masses.

Throughout his professional career of more than 30 years, Steve was the principal and managing executive of his family’s general contracting business, founded by his grandfather shortly after the turn of the century. He was also the founder and principal of the Antique Center of Westchester, home to many of the county’s leading antiques dealers during the 1980s.

Steve had many interests. He came from a musical family, appreciating and enjoying all types of music.

His mother, Mollie, sang opera professionally and he remained an opera-lover all his life. As a boy, Steve learned to play the accordion and later played piano. He performed in plays in high school and college.

Later he acted in local plays and sang in church variety shows. Even in his final years residing at Church Hill Village in Newtown, Steve would often entertain residents, playing the piano and telling jokes.

An avid cook, he was so proud when credited for the many recipes of his that were incorporated into Church Hill’s menus.

Upon retiring in 1986, he and Sylvia built their dream home in West Palm Beach, Fla., where, during the winter months, they enjoyed visits from family and grandchildren and developed many lasting friendships. He became the proud owner of a sport fishing boat and enjoyed endless days cruising and fishing up and down the intracoastal waterways of the Palm Beaches.

Steve truly loved people and was loved by so many that knew him. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and sense of humor, and the kind words he had for everyone he met. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and his many friends. Sunday dinner and holidays were always a highlight, even in his later years.

His memory will be treasured.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Stephen’s life will take place on June 5, at 11 am, at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown.

To honor Stephen’s memory, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.