Rhea Ann Luciano

Rhea Ann Luciano, 91 of Parkersburg, West Virginia, passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, March 13, 2015. She was comforted by friends and family at her home in Bluffton, SC. She fought a brave battle against cancer, never once complaining - instead gave strength, grace and love to all those around her. Born in Parkersburg, WVA, Rhea was the daughter of Orvie D. Smith and Anna M. Echart-Smith who moved the family to Cleveland, Ohio where Rhea lived most of her life. Rhea was an outstanding student who retained a classic style and elegance few have known. Rhea set aside her career ambitions for fashion and modeling as she had fallen in love. Rhea married Robert P. McNamara, her first husband and they soon had a son, Robert. Her first husband was taken from her during Decision Day (D-Day) in Normandy, France. Rhea, a war widow with her newly born son, Robert P. McNamara, both struggled during one of the most difficult times in our nation's history. Rhea jump started her fashion career in Cleveland and than in New York City to support herself, her mother and her child. The bright lights of New York lost their din and she returned to Cleveland to help her mother and close friend run a café. The fates intervened while waitressing in Cleveland; she met the love of her life, Nicholas H. Luciano, a returning veteran of Iwo Jima. The two were soon married and inseparable for over sixty years until Nicholas passed away in Bluffton, SC in 2008 of cancer complications. Rhea was not only the bright light to Nicholas all his days but a creative home maker, artist, caring mother and hard working secretary for several firms throughout Cleveland, OH. In addition to first son, Reverend Doctor Robert P. McNamara, Rhea and Nicholas had three additional children there is Lyn Detwiller, living in Portland, OR, also Lori Luciano, living in Bluffton, SC and youngest son, Nicholas H. Luciano, Jr. who passed away in 2008 in Los Angeles, CA. Having retired in Cleveland, Rhea and Nicholas moved to Hilton Head, SC as her beloved Nick never forgot the beauty of Parris Island during his Marines training there during WWII. They found paradise on Hilton Head and had many happy years of retirement together. Rhea is survived by her three children, Robert, Lyn and Lori as well as six grand children, Joseph Nastasi, Kelly Bailey, William Detwiller, John Detwiller, Deborah (Peraro) McNamara, and Robert McNamara. Rhea's legacy continues within her surviving great grand children; Anna Bailey, Arthur Bailey, Rowan Peraro, Braden Peraro, Kienan Peraro and Londin McNamara. Rhea's love, grace, warmth and kindness will be treasured by all who knew her. The entire family sends our love to one and all. There will be a family grave side service in Parkersburg, WVA.