Louis A. Lucato, Sr., 76, a resident of Wappingers Falls who faced a courageous battle following a brief illness, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and children on Monday, March 19, 2012.

Born in Poughkeepsie on May 25, 1935, he was the son of the late Angelo and Anna Centorani Lucato. He proudly served our country in the US Army during the Korean War. In 1957, he became the Heavyweight Boxing Champ for the US Army. Lou was a foreman for Carpenters Local #203 with Idema Construction Company where he worked for 50 years. He also retired as the Traffic Commissioner for the Village of Wappingers Falls.

Lou was a member of the American Legion and the Manchester Hunt Clubs, a charter member of S.W. Johnson Fire Department, and a volunteer at Castle Point VA Medical Center and Feed the Hungry. For many years, he coached his sons' baseball leagues. He also enjoyed woodworking and gatherings at his home with family and friends. Lou was a caring, generous man who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was devoted to his family who were his utmost pride and joy.

On July 7, 1963 at St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls, Lou married Viola Iori. In addition to his wife, Vi, he is also survived by his children, Lou Lucato Jr. of Wappingers Falls, Gary Lucato of Highland and Kristine Foss and her husband Daniel of Millbrook; his grandchildren, Nick, Marissa, Cassandra, Shelby, Julia, Anthony, Emily and Delaney; his beloved pet, Jack; his sisters, Della Kimbark of Pleasant Valley and Nancy Burke and her husband Jim of New Bern, NC; and his brother, Frank Lucato and his wife Francine of Wappingers Falls. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepmother, Mary Lucato-Amoia and his brother-in-law, Russell Kimbark.

Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5-8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by military honors.

Memorial donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Hudson Valley, 832 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591 or Hospice Foundation, Inc., 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.