Luca F. Pumilia
July 28, 1931 ~ April 27, 2023
Luca (Luke) Pumilia passed away April 27th at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family.
Luke was born in New Orleans, LA to Frank and Lillie Pumilia on July 28, 1931. Upon graduation from high school, Luke joined the United States Air Force in 1949. In his military career, Luke especially enjoyed flying the B-36, B-47, and B-52. Throughout his distinguished Military career, he was awarded, among others, the following personal decorations: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Viet Nam Service Medal.
In 1961, Luke met Alice Theis at a Young Christian Singles event; the argument has been of who saw whom first. Regardless, a spark ignited a marriage lasting 61 years and they welcomed four children, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Luke retired as a Major after 20 years of service in the Air Force. He and Alice moved their
family to Omaha where he owned his own business until he fully retired.
Luke is well known in the family for his avid and gifted photography, his amazing quick wit, his faith, and dedicated support to St. Jude, his church and his family. Luke loved his boat, fishing, family vacations, and supporting his grandchildren in their extracurricular activities.
Luke was preceded in death by his parents and sister Ann Piazza. Luke is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice. Children: Karen Niemann, Tony Pumilia (Keri Kennon), Cindi (Jerry) Boganowski, and Rick Pumilia. Grandchildren: Ryan (Buddy Boy), Allison (Missy Ducks), Rachel (Missy Mouse), Emily (Missy Em), Chris (Spider Man), Connor (Mr Bugs), Sarah (Missy Blue Eyes), and Reagan (Missy Regs). Great Grandchildren Liam (Mr Smiles) and Olivia (Missy O); two brothers, Frank and Dan Pumilia, and many other relatives, friends and loved ones.
The family will receive visitors Tuesday May 2nd from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the West Center Chapel. Rosary to follow. Funeral Wednesday May 3rd 10:30am St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Internment at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or St. Bellarmine Catholic Church.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Methodist Hospital team for providing the utmost dignity and care for Luke during his last days with us.
10 Comments
So very sorry to read that we lost Uncle Luke, he will be deeply missed.
So sorry & saddened by Luke’s passing. Our love to Alice & Rick and all of the Pumilia family.
Our hearts go out to you Aunt Alice, Karen, Toni, Cindi and Rick and the rest of your families in your great loss. I have such fond and fun memories of our family visits years ago, with Uncle Luke, while growing up in Omaha. I was always in awe of Uncle Luke being a military pilot and in what he did for our country. He was funny and witty and always reminded me of Walter Matthau. I also enjoyed our visits whenever I came back to Omaha too. We understand your sorrow and am confident that God will be with each of you during this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you. 💜
Deepest condolences for the family. He was a great man in so many ways. My heart goes out to the family.
What a blessing you all were there to see him off, while I know the process seemed unbearable at the time, the 6 or so of you were brought incredibly close in Christ being there with this great man being delivered to heaven, my uncle Luke.
My heart goes out to you all. Such a great man and friend. It’s hard for me to fathom. Much love ❤️
Alice and family — Our prayers for God’s blessings for you during this challenging time. Judi and I are so sorry to hear of Luke’s passing. He was my first full-time Crew Commander in B-52s at March AFB and for my first Arc Light tour. Truth be told, he was also a mentor to this green 1st Lieutenant fresh out of training. Although our paths have crossed only briefly since the Air Force days, fond memories remain strong. Thanks, Luke, for your leadership and friendship.
I was so sad to here at Sunday mass that we should pray for Luke. I instinctively knew what that meant but didn’t want it to be true. I will always treasure the time I spent with Luke and Alice as my RCIA sponsors. I hope I can emulate Luke, if only in some small way, in my devotion to family and the Holy Trinity.
I offer my sympathy to you, Aunt Alice, and your entire family. I remember Uncle Luke as my tall, dark, and handsome Uncle !
Alice,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss . You and your husband were such good friends to my mom and dad Bob and Carolyn)
Love and prayers to you and your family
Sign Guestbook