Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

My brothers and sister want to say how grateful we all are for all those who took the time to attend Mom’s Memorial Tribute and Burial Mass at St. Joseph’s on August 18th.
We so appreciate the kindness and loving words of so many of you who remember Lucia with such fondness.

The following words were supposed to have been included in the Mass — Homily by Father Seraphine and Deacon Baldwin which they requested that we compose:

Lucia was a devoted wife to her husband, Tony; who was her childhood sweetheart and they grew up almost next door to each other on Second Street in Dayton.
She was a dedicated homemaker and mother to 6 children.
Her family was everything to her, from her oldest to youngest, she treasured each child; grandchild; great grandchild; all spouses; as well as her step grandchildren & their children. They were all equally loved; close to her heart and in her daily prayers.
She was an amazing cook and prepared delicious Italian feasts almost everyday; and there was always dessert! She baked Focaccia before Focaccia was even known to American households.
She always welcomed extended family (as well as friends) into her home and truly believed the adage: “the more, the merrier.”
There was rarely a day of rest for Lucia; who somehow embodied super powers to pull off many a Sano/DiChito celebration… get-togethers were a way of life for her and her family; and this is Her Legacy. She lived to serve her family & rarely had time to sit down with them at the table.
She dedicated her life to her faith and soon after her husband’s passing in 1991, she followed her sons, Anthony and Patrick, to Charlotte, NC; where she could be an active part of her newly-born granddaughters’ lives. She also volunteered to participate in the weekly vigil of the Holy Eucharist at her parish, St. Matthew’s in Charlotte; always vigilant that her children would continue their faith in God and attend weekly Mass.
She enjoyed gardening; roses & most flowers; and growing fresh basil was essential to her; as well as enjoying & feeding the birds, who flocked to her birdbath and statue of St. Francis.
She appreciated and encouraged her children for their individual talents, and throughout her later years looked forward to each moment spent with them.

We all will remember you, Lucia, with love for your generous spirit and for the long life you shared with us.

A million times we've needed you,
A million times we've cried,
If love could have saved you, you never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly;
In death we miss you still;
In our hearts, there's a place that
no one else can fill.
You will not be forgotten;
you did not go alone…
‘cause a part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
If we could have one lifetime wish or dream that could come true,
we would pray to God with all our heart for yesterday with you.
But we will see you again in heaven.
God bless, love, and keep you.

Your loving daughter, Babe

I didn't know my mom's cousin Lucy well but my mom Cindy always spoke fondly of her and their days growing up together in the old neighborhood. Their mom's were sisters and it was Adlina who convinced Grace to stay in the US and marry. Nana Grace even named one of her daughter's Adlina, after her beloved sister.
In the later years of my mom's life they would talk on the phone frequently, Cindy in Idaho and Lucy in North Carolina, far from their origins in Dayton, but both spending their last chapter with their loving daughters. Cindy longed to see Lucy again and we made a trip to visit her in Charlotte when she was still living on her own. She insisted on cooking for us and I think she had spent days preparing an amazing meal.
My Condolences to Lucy's family.

Jim, Mary, Babe, Pat and Tony.
Aunt Lucy was so very dear to us and to everyone who knew her.
Little Nancy DiChito was the five-year-old flower girl in Tony and Lucy's wedding!
Aunt Lucy used to babysit little Elizabeth and Jimmy when we lived on Parkwood Dr. in Dayton.
We both remember fondly and vividly the fourth of July picnics on Redder. And the many family gatherings full of delicious food and lively conversation. There was so much love and laughter.
We feel blessed that the closeness has remained through all these years as everyone has relocated.
Lucy and Tony visited the Tan Platt family in Cobleskill, New York in the 80’s.
Jim and Josephine, Tan and Nancy visited Tony and Lucy in Florida in the 90’s and had an absolute ball!
Elizabeth and Nancy [and Modigliani] attended Lucy’s 100th birthday in Charlotte, NC.
She had a long, full life. She was blessed to have her children, grandchildren and great-children with her all these years.
Our condolences to you all. Our sincere love and prayers for her soul.
Love Elizabeth and Nancy Platt

Mamma Lu
From my heart and with the deepest sympathy, I send my condolences to the entire DiChito family.
From the first time I met Mrs. DiChito, through her outwardly Love and Kindness, I felt like family. She asked that I call her Mamma Lu...... so that is what I did.

Every time I was fortunate enough to visit, the reception was always the same. Happy to see each other and spend what little time we had telling stories and laughing. One of my goals was to bring laughter and happiness. Just to hear Mamma Lu belt out that famous laughter made the visit all the more rewarding.
If she knew ahead of time that we were going to be there, she would prepare an Italian meal of many courses. All cooked perfectly and with skills that were perfected throughout the years cooking for her Family. And the CREAM PUFFS..... oh my goodness.... lighter than air.

I hope we never lose the traditions of the Italian family. The food we enjoy together strengthens the bonds we will share forever.
Through my memories, Lucia (Mamma Lu) will live on as an amazing woman.

God has blessed the DiChito family with the longevity of such an amazing woman.

Prayers go out for Mamma Lu and to her family.
With Love,
Larry

The best gift we can offer my Mom honoring her life is a Mass. I, as her eldest son, will appreciate it very much. God bless Momma Lu, she was one of a kind !

Thank you so much for sending this. It's truly beautiful!
She was one of the very few people in my life who was all love and all giving. It is so rare, and I'm blessed to call her my aunt. I was given a great gift to be related and part of her extraordinary family. Love, Annette

To our dearest friend Mary,

Mary, shall your beloved mother RIP. Muriel and I are sending you all our condolences. We are sure that both of them will have a eye on you from up above.
We are sending you our love,
Christian & Muriel