Luke Francis San Souci, Sr.

Luke Francis San Souci Sr., 32, of Newfield, NY, formerly of West Warwick, RI, passed away in Johnson City, NY, on Monday, September 2, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Luke was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, on July 17, 1992, to Laura A. (Lohmeyer) Sousa and the late Leo F. San Souci.  He graduated from West Warwick High School in 2011 and subsequently worked in different trades, most recently in home construction. While he worked many different jobs, Luke never lived to work and, instead, spent his brief life focused primarily on his family.

In 2016, Luke moved from Rhode Island to Owego, New York, to help care for his ailing father.  With very little money and an unwavering spirit of optimism, it was here that he learned how to turn a dime into a dollar and a dollar into a cigarette. It was also here where he would meet his wife, Shelby, and start his cherished family.

After marrying, Luke moved to Newfield, NY, where he enjoyed a home life filled with family gatherings, good humor, and never-ending yardwork.  Those who knew Luke understood that he approached life through a lens of consistent generosity. Luke freely shared himself, his home, and his worldly possessions with those who he loved.

Knowing Luke also meant understanding his endearing and lighthearted humor. Luke naturally embedded his humor, sometimes inappropriately, into nearly every interaction. In fact, when a doctor asked Luke immediately prior to his passing about his allergies, Luke simply replied “doctors” without further expansion. This was normal for Luke.

Luke will be deeply missed for his humor and generosity but also for his kindheartedness, willingness to help others in need, and his natural ability to ensure everyone felt included in conversation or gathering.

In addition to his mother, Laura, and wife, Shelby, Luke is survived by his children EJ, Orion, Luke Jr., Henry, Bentley, and Thane; his mother’s partner Charles Adejayan; siblings Leo J. (Michele) San Souci, Lance San Souci, Walter San Souci, Kelly (John) Andrade, and Leo C. San Souci; nephews Jonathan Andrade and Evan Andrade; nieces Ashlee (Sean) LoVerdi, Nicole Griffin, Felecia San Souci, Hope San Souci, and Emma Miller; uncles Ray Lohmeyer and Jimmy Lohmeyer; aunts Irene (Sharon) Rathke, Lucille Kempton, and Maureen Lohmeyer; many cousins, extended family, and friends who he loved greatly. Luke was preceded in death by his father, Leo F. San Souci, stepfather Anthony Sousa, and daughter Aasen May.

Please join us in saying goodbye to Luke on Sunday, September 15, 2024, between 10 AM and 12 noon at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W Green St, Ithaca, NY, 14850. A celebration of life will follow at his cousin’s home, a home wherein he held fond memories, at 3027 State Route 17C, Barton, NY, 13734.  All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Luke’s unwavering generosity by donating in his name to a charity of your choice.