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James L. "Jim" Lusardi Jr., 96, Hollidaysburg, died early Thursday morning.
He was born in Hollidaysburg, son of James L. and Louisa (Zazzali) Lusardi.
Surviving are a brother, Primo V. of Tyrone; 11 nieces and nephews: Cornelius (Kathy) Lusardi of Akron, Ohio, Louise (Richard) Grillo of Mount Pleasant, S.C., Thomas (Lori) Mase of Westfield, N.J., Christine (Steven) Stoner of Tyrone, David (Ann) Lusardi of North Huntingdon, Peter (Clare) Lusardi of Carlisle, Vincent (Kim) Lusardi of Pittsburgh, Stephen (Mary) Lusardi of Louisville, Ky., Therese (Todd) North of Silver City, N.M., Meg Lusardi of Boston, Mass., and James Lusardi of Pittsburgh; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers: Cornelius, Alexander, Herman and Remus; and three sisters: Ligia, Nurea and Cleofe.
Jim was a 1934 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School and a graduate of Antonelli School of Photography in Philadelphia. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, serving aboard the USS Clarence L. Evans. He retired as the owner of Lusardi Studio, Hollidaysburg, photographing newborns at Altoona Hospital as well as portraits and weddings.
Jim was a devoted lifelong member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg. One of its oldest members, he had served as usher and on the picnic committee and had photographed all the parish special events, including the first Communion classes. He was in charge of the doughnuts and coffee every Sunday for years. He was also a charter member of the Altoona Blair County Photo Society.
His nieces and nephews have fond memories of Uncle Jim taking them on walks to the playground and the fish pond, trips to Legion Park and Dysart Park and playing cards on Sunday nights. He will be dearly missed and remembered as a special person who loved his church, family and friends.
Friends will be received from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Sorge Funeral Home Inc., Hollidaysburg, where a vigil service will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, Father Clement G. Gardner officiating. Committal will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Hollidaysburg.
Memorials may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church. |