Lucio Sarra
May 20, 2020
May 20, 2020
May 20, 2020
Lucio Pino Sarra
May 21, 1961 - May 20, 2020
Lucio Sarra was gathered to his ancestors on May 20, 2020, leaving an ocean of shock and sadness in his wake. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria; children Nicholas, Tianna, and Kylee (Matt); grandchildren Liliana and Harlow; brothers Tony, Lorenzo (Adrienne), nieces Lydia (Emmett, Frankie) and Elizabeth; nephews Julian, Franco, David, Anthony, and Jacob; sisters in-law Rosa and Darcy; brother in-law Tom; extended family in Italy, France, and Australia; in addition to friends and associates too numerous to count.
Lucio was born in the small northern mining town of Manitouwadge, Ontario on May 21, 1961 to proud Italian immigrants Frank Sarra (1932-2000) and Lidia Sarra (1934-1985). A year later, brother Tony was born and the Sarra family departed Ontario to build a new life in British Columbia (Merritt, BC). A third son, Lorenzo, was born and the young family uprooted once again and relocated to Burnaby, BC, where Lucio attended Burnaby North High School. After graduating in 1979, he went on to study electrical, civil and structural engineering. In 1993 he married his wife, Maria and together they raised their two children, Nicholas and Tianna, in Abbotsford BC.
Lucio was a hardworking and conscientious individual who enjoyed a myriad of interests. He was a business owner and accomplished tradesman in his field; an enthusiastic golfer and fisherman; an avid gardener who grew enough zucchini to feed a small village; he was a maker of wine, a lover of music (particularly at ear-splitting decibels) and a handyman proficient to fix just about anything in need of repair.
Born with a staggering number of innate talents and abilities it is undoubtable that with his curious mind, Lucio could have been a first-rate brain surgeon or nuclear physicist - assuming such ambitions had been his. It could be argued the only thing preventing Lucio from achieving just about anything was self-doubt, which in most cases, was wholly unwarranted. He was truly unaware of just how talented he was - a quality rare in someone so immensely capable. He had an astonishing, photographic memory; he could effortlessly recall the minutiae of an invoice prepared a decade previous; he was an extraordinary mimic; he was witty, affectionate and generous; a wonderful host who never left a guest feeling anything but deeply welcomed. Lucio could easily be described as a human firecracker. An afternoon in Lucio's company would include mountains of food, barrels of homemade wine, and jokes and anecdotes delivered in a smorgasbord of ethnic accents. His relentless energy could often leave one in need of recuperation, particularly after an evening of frantic accordion playing. He was both entertaining and exhausting; therefore, his abrupt absence from our lives has left a visceral void and a silence that is almost deafening. His presence was enormous. Some people can fill a room; Lucio could fill a stadium.
Lucio's final year was one of unremitting suffering after cancer intruded and derailed the trajectory of his life. He accepted the relentless course of treatments with courage and was optimistic until the very end that his strength and will to live would prevail. It is difficult not to rail against this cosmic injustice, as he had so much still to live for.
But he leaves behind the tangible evidence of his time on this earth: a family he loved. Friends. A successful small business. A beautiful home. And a garden filled with sustenance and beauty. If he were here today, Lucio would be advising us not to elevate him to sainthood which is often the temptation when a loved person dies too soon. As George Harrison famously penned, "Scan not a friend with a microscopic glass, you know his faults, now let the foibles pass." Because what ultimately matters is that we loved, and were loved in return. Lucio treasured his wife and children – he was deeply proud of them. He provided well for his family. In addition, he was a loyal friend, caring brother, colleague and mentor to many. By all criteria, his life was truly good - and this is something to celebrate in the midst of our sadness and loss. He will never be forgotten.
Il tavolo da pranzo non sara mai piu lo stesso, l'amore e le risate non saranno mai cosi grandi. La tua presenza non sara mai duplicata.
A private funeral service will be held Saturday June 6, 2020 with a gathering to follow afterward.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
On behalf of the Georgas family, our deepest condolences to the Sarra family. Godspeed ..... Peter Georgas.
~ Pete Georgas
My sincere condolences to all of Lucio's family and friends. He sounds like he was stellar man and one you would be grateful to have in your life. Much love to you all <3
~ Colleen Choquette
I have fond memories of Lucio from the days growing up on Capitol Hill in North Burnaby. We were in many of the same classes at Burnaby Heights School from Grade 8 to 10. He certainly was a firecracker back in the day! He was super smart and strived for perfection. I have to say I was a thorn in his side in home-economics class because as hard as he tried, he could never score higher than me in that class. I was a naturally gifted baker and cook and as hard as he tried his loaves of bread paled in comparison to mine! It was a wonderful rivalry we had in the classroom kitchens at Burnaby Heights. I am grateful I got to be a part of his youth but sad I did not know a lot about him and his many accomplishments as an adult. He will be missed dearly.
~ Brenda Gough
I met Lucio and Tony at Capitol Hill school. We played at the park together often. I recently reconnected with him this past year on Facebook after a school reunion that he missed. We had a reminiscent dialogue and he explained his fight and was positive and grateful for his family. Im so grateful I got to have this special time. Brief and fleeting. Life passes by quickly. It reminds us to live with joy and love our every breath. Rest in peace Lucio
You touched many hearts and will be missed by many.
Peace and love
Carylann Loeppky
Lucio will continue to make us laugh in our hearts. My deepest condolences to all the family. With love and respect. 💞
~ Lisa Di MarcoMaria and family it is with heartfelt sadness I pass on to you all my deepest condolences. I never gave up praying for Lou's healing but our prayers are not always answered in the way we expect. The Lord has all of our days numbered and obviously it was Lou's time to be called home to be in the everlasting arms of his saviour Jesus Christ. He is now without pain or suffering and enjoying his youth once again no doubt anxiiously awaiting the time when he will meet his family and friends again. In the meantime I am sure he is enjoying having a wonderful reunion with all those loved ones that were there to greet him. It is sad for all of us left behind because we will miss him greatly but our comfort comes from knowing we to can see him again as long as we put our trust in Jesus Christ as did Lou. Bless you all and rejoice and celebrate Lous life while he was here full of life. ~ Al Sanders
I'm so sorry to hear of Lucio's passing. We went to Burnaby Heights together and recently connected once again on facebook. I'm so happy to read of his wonderful and full life of love, family and friends. The memory I have of Lucio is from when we were in eighth grade and had our first high school dance. I was one of the most shy girls in our grade I think and was so nervous about this dance so you can imagine the relief I felt when someone who I had observed knew how to dance, asked me! It went perfectly! It was Lucio. We never hung out together too much during high school but I will always remember and be grateful for that first dance. Rest in Peace Lucio. Hope you are still dancing ~ Laura Phillips
We are so sorry to here of your loss Maria...you and you family are in our hearts and Prayers! God Bless! Hugs 😥💜 ~ Tricia Wiens
Our condolences the family.We were so sorry to hear of Lucio’s
passing.our thoughts are with the family.
Panfilo&Ankie
Our deepest condolences to you all. We always loved Lou's positive energy. He brought lots of laughter and love to all those around him, and we enjoyed those social events we had the pleasure of sharing together. He will be deeply missed, Hugs from the Knutson Family xoxo
~ Carol L Knutson
What a beautiful tribute Maria❤️ I’m deeply sorry for this huge loos in your and your loved ones lives. Think of him often, laugh, share and keep his spirit alive and how important he was in your lives. I am sending much love and many hugs my dear friend. I hope to meet up again soon. I’ll keep in touch. How blessed where you guys to have each other💕be gentle with yourself Maria. Take the time to grieve. Everything you are and will go through in the name of grief is exactly what you need. Love Jessie
~ Jessie
Lucio,
My brother I am shocked to see this post right now...you are an amazing man, and you will be missed my your beautiful family and many, many friends...there is no doubt in my mind you will be laughing, joking and entertaining absolutely everyone in heaven with your sense of humour and countless stories.
Your memory will be eternal.
We love you brother, till we meet again...
-Yianni Sahamis-
It’s terrible to hear about the loss of your husband. I express my sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Our heartfelt condolences to Maria and the family, Tony & Lorenzo and families.
Cherish the amazing memories
My heartfelt sympathies are with all of you. It's hard enough to lose a loved one who has lived a long life but to lose a treasure so young is devastating. The many treasured memories will always be with you and hopefully sustain you in the times going forward. Sending you all my love at this sad time.
~ Fiona Hoey
It’s very sad news for us he was like my big bro,,He was my favourite man miss you Lou
~ Garry
Loe
Thank you for sharing A lovely message Very well written. Lou was a very caring, loving Italian one of our own. I loved listing to his stories but he always made me laugh so hard that I almost peed ever time.
Dearly missed but never forgotten
🙏and thinking of the famiglia stay strong and safe.
Emma and Mike
~ Emma
Sad passing and to short a life. Condolences to maria and the extended family in Canada.
thinking of you all your cousins from Australia
~ Robert Pellegrini
I am so sorry to here about Lucio. We grew up together on Capitol Hill . Lots of great times and memories . My deepest condolences .
~ Steve Oliver
My deepest Condolences to the Sarra Family and friends. This is a heartbreaking loss to the many, many that loved Lucio.
To My "Little Brother", my God Brother, we were born 19 days apart in the same hospital, in the same little town: Manitouadge, Ontario, our families were inseparable. Growing up you were my best friend. I always looked up to you, was in awe of how talented you were at almost anything you did. You were an actor, dancer, musician, lover, comedian, engineer, winemaker, gardener, hunter, fisherman, golfer, businessman, business owner, electrician, father and a husband... and so much more.
Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am to lose you from my life... you have always been the closest friend I have ever had... "my true fratello" was one of the last things you said to me... I love you "little brother" Please hug your parents an my dad for me <3
...til we meet again.
Sincere condolences from our family to yours. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From my family to the Sarra family, i’d like to express our deepest condolences for your loss of Lucio.
Although I had not seen him in several years my memories of him will remain in my heart forever.
This is absolutely heartbreaking to everyone who knew him.
May God bless his soul, Rest In Peace Lucio!!
I leaned over towards his face and whispered to him….. “Lucio, the best things in life are always on the other side of one’s biggest fear”. I told him “Your biggest fear is dying. On the other side of dying is where you will find eternal peace in Heaven”. He understood what I meant. The nurse arrived and medicated him. I held his hand until he fell asleep. The very next day, 24 hours short of his 59th birthday, the music and the laughter died.
Lucio, you were the light of our lives. Your spirit will never leave us. Your memory will always be present. Your love will always comfort us. Your humor will always amuse us. Your life has motivated all of us to achieve greater levels of joy and happiness. You will never be gone however. We hear you through the wind that whispers through the leaves. Your music is forever heard through the chirping of the birds. We feel your warmth every time the sun shines on us. Your desire for life grows in each plant in your garden. The fruits of your labor are found in the home you have left for your family. The legacy that you have left behind lives in the family that you have nurtured. They will carry the torch for you and they will make you proud. Arrivederci…..God Bless You….
Forever Your Big Brother,
Carlo
~ Carlen Jansen
I wanted to add my note of sincere condolences
to Maria, Tianna, Nicholas, Kylee and all the Sarra family. May God be your
source of strength and peace during this time of loss.
Our family has been close friends to the Sarra family since Lucio's earliest days
in 1961 in Manitouwadge, Ontario. So it was a privilege to come alongside
Lucio, with many others, and be there for him when his struggle against cancer
intensified. He fought a good fight; though the spirit was willing, in the end
recovery from cancer was not to be.
But for Lucio, death was not the final answer. Though we may grieve his
departure, we can rejoice that Lucio won the most important battle of his life.
He renewed his faith in the Lord Jesus. He expressed his sorrow at his
failures. And he had a deep desire to follow his Saviour forever. So in the end
Lucio won the ultimate victory of faith. And that is the best legacy and
enduring message that he could ever leave to his family and all his friends.
Angelo Zappacosta
Maria,
Our sincere condolences on Lou’s passing. My husband and he were kindred spirits during the radiation process. Two likely guys would never have met or became “buddies”. Polar opposites but became good confidantes.
We’re crushed as Phil’s outcome after radiation and surgery have been good so far. Never know what the future holds.
Think of Lou often, nothing was ever before him aside from Family and friends. He loved you all.
Take Care Maria. 💕
~ Cindy and Phil Burk
Ive just recently learned of Lucios passing. Luc and I were at Burnaby Heights together Gr 8 - 10. No shortage of laughs in Mr P's french class! Of course Luc barely studied for this class but always did well and sounds like he did well for himself and family. Thanks for the laughs my friend 💖 Deb Elson
~ Debbie Elson
A childhood friend from Burnaby, I remember Lucio playing the song Wipeout on his accordian, I will never forget it, we were only 12 years old and could he ever play that thing even then. I remember Lucio being a gentlemen the last time I saw him when we were in high school age. I'm so happy to hear that his life was full with love, family and friends, but sad it was cut short so soon.