John Lunapiena

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of John “Lupy” Lunapiena. John died peacefully on September 21, 2023, at the age of 72, surrounded by his wife and children, after a long courageous battle. He was a lifelong resident of Hawthorne, New York.

John was born in Hoboken, New Jersey on May 12, 1951 to John and Angelina (Paterno) Lunapiena and grew up in Mamaroneck, New York. As a young boy, he spent his summers at Camp Siwanoy with his fellow Eagle Scouts. John attended Mamaroneck High School, where he made many lifelong friends who he cherished. After high school, John went on to become the assistant manager of Shopwell, where he met the love of his life, Carole. The two were married on November 27,1974 and have three daughters, Heather, Melissa and Kristie.

The family moved and established their roots in Hawthorne, NY, where John worked for Carmelo Bambace Wholesalers and became a member of the Thornwood Fire Department. He took great pride in being a volunteer fireman and loved to share stories of his time there. John went on to work for the NYS Department of Transportation in Millwood, where he proudly assisted with the clean up of the remnants of the World Trade Center.

John retired from the NYS DOT and spent his years of retirement enjoying his wife’s cooking, spending time with his family, playing the penny slots, and visiting with his many dear friends. Nothing made him happier than attending the events of his grandchildren who he adored.

John looked forward to family vacations to Lake George and recently took his first flight to Florida. He loved all animals, watching the news in his recliner, sitting in the sun, playing lottery scratch offs, all things Christmas, listening to oldies music, and “The Original Italian” from Jersey Mike's.

John is survived by his loving wife, Carole, of 48 years, his daughter Heather Milano and son-in-law Angelo, his daughter Melissa Lunapiena and significant other Jamie Ferris, and his daughter Kristie Lunapiena and fiancé David Barney. He is also the loving grandfather of Matthew (Brittany), Alexandra (Johnny), Dylan, Spencer, Johnny and Joey. John was thrilled for the expected arrival of his newest grandson, Jayden John. He is also the adoring great-grandfather to Matthew Jr. and Vincent. Additionally, John is survived by his siblings, Charles Lunapiena (Linda), Lorraine Lunapiena, and Alfred Premuto (Maria Elena), and sisters-in-law, Elaine Conwell and Laura Saiz (Joaquin). He is also survived by uncles, many close cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, who he cherished.

John was predeceased by his parents, John and Angelina, siblings Carol and Michael, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Margie and Mike,  and brothers-in-law Daniel and Michael.

John's legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is adored by his family and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.