Michael Lukanik, Sr.

Michael Lukanik, Sr., born January 14, 1954 in Mount Vernon, NY to the late Edward and Marie (Coccia) Lukanik, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023 in New Port Richey, FL at the age of 69, surrounded by his family.

Michael was an extremely hardworking and talented individual who took great pride in not only his work but in all his endeavors. After working initially as an automobile technician and later on in his own painting business, Michael was recruited by a former employer to help him expand his ironworking business, FMB, Inc. During his years with FMB, Michael worked on many sites throughout the NY-NJ metro area, including New York City’s Battery Park and the Federal Courthouse building on Long Island. Michael advanced in the company and ultimately retired as a foreman before moving to Florida.

Aside from his career accomplishments, Michael’s diverse talents and interests were well known to all who knew him.  He had the ability to excel in almost anything he tried his hand at.  He was an excellent artist who created detailed and impressive drawings without having had any formal training. He combined his iron working and artistic skills to handcraft beautiful iron railings for his apartment building in NJ.  And all of Michael’s family and friends knew he was the one to call to fix just about anything – be it a car, a wood stove or a faucet.

Michael also had a lifelong passion for classic cars and enjoyed working on his beloved 1995 Ford F250 pickup and his 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Fishing was also a favorite pastime, especially when he went with his Pop, his son, or his brothers. He loved to listen to all kinds of music, but was especially partial to Doo Wop (Dion and the Belmonts were a favorite) and Motown.  But his favorite current artists were his talented granddaughters, whose music videos he proudly shared with his friends and family. 

Michael lived a full life and was open and honest about the many life challenges he experienced and overcame. He both valued and emulated perseverance, and would honestly share his life stories in the hopes of encouraging others. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a terrific storyteller. He was deeply passionate about the people and the things that he loved. He had a big personality that could charm just about anyone. His presence (and the twinkle in his eye) will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Michael is survived by his son; Michael Lukanik, Jr and his wife Melissa of Southington, CT; his brothers; Louis Lukanik and his wife Kathy of NH, Steven Lukanik and his wife Terri, Robert Lukanik and his wife Lori, his sister; Cynthia Feuss and her husband Paul all of NJ; his two granddaughters Madelyn and Natalie Lukanik of Southington, CT as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his brothers; Edward Lukanik Jr. and Andrew Lukanik.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 (https://dogood.t2t.org).

Words of Remembrance will be shared at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.at the funeral home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.