Charles Anthony Leuci

Charles A. Leuci, 85, of Womelsdorf, peacefully passed away Monday, January 24, 2022. He was the loving widower of Joan T. Leuci, to whom he was married for 46 years, who passed away in 2004. Born in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Dominick and Josephine (Pellegrini) Leuci, Charles graduated from James Madison High School in Brooklyn, NY.

Known to all as Charlie, he aspired from a young age to be his own boss and opened his first pizzeria in his early twenties as the original owner of Pizza Q, in Copiague, L.I., NY. Charlie went on to own and operate several other pizzerias and several other restaurants along with Joan, in both Long Island and New York State. He also owned and operated several lunch truck routes for many years on Long Island. Upon moving to Pennsylvania in the late 1990's, he worked at, and retired from, Home Depot in Wyomissing.

Charlie loved his wife's cooking, and he also loved to cook and eat Italian food, especially when it could be shared with family and friends. Around the table, Charlie was funny and personable, and was a natural story teller. He had a way of captivating his audience with every story he told, whether it be about a hunting trip across the country, or a typical trip to the grocery store. His animated embellishments kept everyone in hysterics and roaring for more.

Charlie loved his family, which was always first and foremost for him. He and Joan were blessed with six daughters, and he treasured time spent with each of his girls and their families. He also adored being with his brother, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews. A lover of animals, his cats, Pino and Mugsy, will also certainly miss his affection.

Left to treasure his memory are his children: Josephine "JoAnn" Gruber (Scott L.) of Shoemakersville; Lisa J. Nelson (Gregory S.) of Sinking Spring; Florence T. Pagan (David Hurst) of Reading; Charlene Holzmacher (Joseph W. Slack) of Wernersville; Linda DeBlasi (Steve Guti) of Strasburg; and Marlene Houser (Robert) of Muhlenberg Township; son-in-law Mark DeBlasi of West Lawn; grandchildren Lauren Rodriguez (Michael), Joseph Jacob (Rebecca), Daniel Jacob (Angelina), Gregory Nelson (fiancé of Nichole Acevedo), Brian Nelson, Jeanette Hassler (James), Jesse Holzmacher, Emily Holzmacher, Jade Moorehead (Noah), Sophia DeBlasi, Gavin Houser and Joan Houser; step-grandchildren, Tia Slack, Elon Stroumbakis (Nick), Ashley Gruber, Alex Gruber (Heather), Mark DeBlasi Jr., and Amanda DeBlasi; and 17 great grandchildren.

Charlie is also survived by his sisters, Angelina (Lena) Zella (widow of Leonardo) and Mary Mazzei (widow of Ernest), brother, Pat (widower of Elaine), and six nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 740 Cherry St, West Reading, PA 19611, with burial to follow at Leesport Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, January 31, at Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again Tuesday at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Berks Encore, 40 North 9th St., Reading, PA 19601

Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.