Obituary of Luciana Vittoria Deissroth

Luciana Vittoria Deissroth (nee Alessio), of Woodbury, New Jersey, passed away on June 12, 2024.

Family

Born to the late Bruno and Maria (nee Gregorin) Alessio on September 1st in Trieste, Italy. Luciana is the beloved mother of the late Barbara (1996) and Erika (Michael). Cherished sister of the late Laura (Dante) Illicher (1998). Growing up in Italy, Luciana experienced many hardships that shaped her to be the strong woman she is today. She learned to speak English from a Jewish family that her parents had been hiding in their attic from the Germans during WWII. At the age of 18, she started to work for the American Red Cross as an interpreter. It was there where she met her soon to be husband, an American Army Soldier. The two married in Trieste, Italy and came to the United States to live. In 1953, they welcomed their first daughter, the late Barbara (1996) and nine years later, Erika (Michael). Luciana missed her family in Italy dearly and was thrilled when her mother, sister, brother-in-law and their son moved to be with her years later.

Luciana loved being a mom and took her daughters on trips to Trieste as well various places in the U.S. including summers on a farm in Middlebury, Vermont. Despite considering herself a “city girl” she enjoyed the farm and remained close to the farm family for 70 years. During her time in Philadelphia, she worked as a receptionist in exclusive hair salons and was proud to have been chosen as part of an elite group for the opening of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in 1990 where she had the chance to meet a number of dignitaries and celebrities. After living in Philadelphia for many years, she moved to Leola, Pennsylvania and spent carefree days with her sister-in-law Eleanor and family visiting community sales, Amish markets, and auctions where she took pride in finding the best bargains.

She eventually moved to New Jersey to be closer to her daughter Erika and 2 grandsons Gregory (Allegra), and Christopher (Megan). Some of her happiest moments in life were the time she spent with her grandsons who she adored from the time they were born. She was the loving great-grandmother of 6: Anthony, Giuliana, Max, Luke, Thomas, and Cecilia. She was also the proud aunt of 4 nephews and nieces: Edmund, George, Carol, and Helen.

Legacy

Luciana was an extremely social person who enjoyed talking with anyone she met. Her spunky, charismatic personality made her unique and unforgettable. She loved spending time with her daughter Erika, especially day trips to the Borgata casino in Atlantic City playing penny slots and dining at the buffet, making sure to taste every dessert with a few “accidently” finding their way home with her.

Luciana will be remembered fondly for her independent nature, sharp mind, charisma, and zest for life. She will be missed dearly by her loved ones and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s New Jersey.

Tribute

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Luciana's viewing on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, from 10am - 11am, followed immediately by a funeral service at 11am located at McGuinness Funeral Home - Washington Township, located at 573 Egg Harbor Rd, Sewell NJ 08080. Luciana will be laid to rest with her family in Ss Peter & Paul Cemetery located at 1600 Sproul Rd, Springfield, PA 19064 immediately following the funeral service.

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