Lorraine Luzzo Obituary

Lorraine Ann Luzzo (née Catena), 89, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, in Secaucus, New Jersey. Born on April 11, 1936, in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, she was the beloved daughter of Salvatore and Carmella (Melillo) Catena, the fourth of their children.

Lorraine's life was marked by devotion-to her family, her work, and the traditions that brought joy to those around her. After graduating high school in Lyndhurst, she began her career at Revlon in New York City. With determination and a strong work ethic, she transitioned into the insurance industry, starting as an insurance agent and rising to become Manager at the A.C. D'Amore Agency, Inc., in East Rutherford, NJ. She remained there for over 25 years until her retirement, earning respect for her leadership and dedication.

On May 28, 1955, Lorraine married the love of her life, Louis J. Luzzo, Jr., at Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst. Their wedding song was "Again" by Vic Damone-a melody that would echo through their 70 years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with enduring love and shared memories. From their early days living on Second Avenue, Summit Avenue and Mountain Way to raising their family at 619 New York Avenue in Lyndhurst, Lorraine and Louis created a home that was always open to family and friends. In July 1993, they moved to Harmon Cove in Secaucus, where their warmth continued to fill every room.

Lorraine's home was a haven of comfort and celebration. The aroma of homemade gravy often lingered in the air, a testament to her love for cooking. Holidays were especially meaningful-Easter, Christmas Eve, and Christmas were orchestrated with care and joy. She would take the entire week before Easter to prepare an elegant seven-course meal, even rearranging her family room into a dining space large enough to host everyone she loved.

She cherished her collection of knick-knacks gathered over the years and had a deep love for reading. One book held a special place in her heart-*Gone With The Wind*-which she read and watched countless times. Music also brought her great happiness; from the timeless melodies of George Gershwin to the powerful harmonies of Il Divo, music was woven into the fabric of her life.

Lorraine is survived by her devoted husband of 70 years, Louis J. Luzzo, Jr.; her daughter Lori A. Eckhardt and husband Gary, their daughter Nicole and her son Louis Luzzo. She was a proud grandmother to Rachel Baker, Christopher Wilbanks (daughter & son of Sharon Wilbanks); Louis and Carey Luzzo (sons of Cyndi D'Meo); Anthony Luzzo and Nicole Eckhardt; step-grandmother to Renee Dubois, Carissa Wilbanks, and Trevor D'Meo, and a loving great-grandmother to Emily and Ryan (children of Rachel & Corey Baker) and Nora (daughter of Christopher & Sloan).

She is predeceased by her siblings: oldest brother Anthony Catena, older sister Mildred (Catena) Rizzuto, and brother Salvatore Catena.

Lorraine's legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured with unwavering love. Her favorite saying-"I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck"-perfectly captured the boundless affection she gave so freely. Above all else, Lorraine was the heart of her family-a source of strength whose laughter and gentle spirit will be remembered always.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.