Obituary of Charles J. Luciano

NORWALK, CONN Charles Luciano, 79, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully on April 17th surrounded by his friends and family. He was born on November 5th, 1946, in Norwalk, to Theresa and Sebastian Luciano. Charles is survived by his two daughters, Dana Malangone (Mario), Nicole O’Brien (Matt), his six grandchildren that he adored, Alessandro Malangone (Alisa), Alexia Malangone Misurale (Anthony), Monica Malangone (Joseph), Madison O’Brien, Delaney O’Brien, and Cameryn O’Brien. His twin sister Colette Bilik, with whom he had an unbreakable bond and loving sister Theresa Perkins (Richard) His companion, Sally Goldstein. Many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Along with his family he leaves behind his dear friends Pat and Tina Torraco and the Bratchell Family. He is predeceased by his parents Theresa (Geronimo) and Sebastian Luciano, his sister Madeline Opper, and his wife of 33 years, Irma Schmid Luciano, his second wife, Sandralee Shea Luciano, his brothers-in-law, David Opper and Milton Bilik and his great nephew Kevin Corcoran Jr. Charles proudly served in the US Army from 1963-1966, where he met and married the love of his life, Irma in Ulm, Germany. Charles was a jack of all trades and would fondly tell you stories of his days as a golf caddy, shoe shiner or delivering bread. His legacy as the “Soda Man” began in 1969 when he started working at Hammer Soda where he would eventually take over the business that would span 30 years. He went on to work at Norwalk High School as a custodian for the next 10 years and later became a self-employed Appliance Installer with Aitoro Appliance. Charles never truly retired, always finding work and small jobs to be done. He always “kept moving”. Charles loved classic cars, singing Doo-Wop, talking about the Bronx and the fun times on Godfrey and Jefferson Street. He loved his Facebook and learning about his ancestry so that generations to come would know where they came from. He was extremely proud of his Italian heritage and strong connections to Germany. Later in life he loved to travel and lounge by the pool. He especially enjoyed going for coffee with his long time friends, the get togethers with his NHS buddies and the monthly Laurel Club dinners with the guys. He was truly grateful for those friendships. There was nothing he loved more than sharing time with his family. Whether it be a sporting event or Sunday dinner. He never missed a single event for his children and grandchildren. He was passionate about his relationships. He made a connection to everyone he knew and met and he remembered those connections for the rest of his days. The stories are endless. Charles lived a life that you could write a book about and it still wouldn’t be enough. The world was a better place with him in it. Charles’ family would like to extend their utmost appreciation to all of his doctors, nurses, and caregivers. He received wonderful care for many years especially from The Whittingham Cancer Center. A special thanks to Dr. Nair, Dr. Zelkowitz, Dr. Gervasi and Dr. Brody. Thank you to Caryn Ecker, APRN, Dr. Zahrah and the nurses and volunteers at The Whittingham Cancer Center for their endless compassion and care. And a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lomnitz for his kindness and friendship over the years. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday April 22, 2026 . Visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am United Church of Rowayton. 210 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk, CT. Funeral Service 11:00 -12:00 at United Church of Rowayton. 210 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk, CT. Followed by burial at Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main St, Westport. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Toys For Tots in honor of Charles Luciano.