Virginia M. Lucarell 1935-2025

Virginia was born Sept. 14, 1935, in Canton, to the late Michael A. Rigley and Anne Elizabeth Friedman Rigley.

Growing up during the Great Depression, her family moved often. She spent part of her childhood on a farm in North Lima, where she attended St. Charles Church and fondly recalled caring for the farm’s chickens and goats.

Gini later lived in Struthers, Poland and Youngstown, where she cherished her years in “The Hollow” on Kirtland Avenue growing up surrounded by many extended family members. She attended St. Joseph School and Church and maintained lifelong friendships with neighbors from the close-knit community. Growing up in “The Hollow” instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse nationalities, religions, cultures and values she carried throughout her life and passed on to her family.

A 1953 graduate of The Rayen School, Virginia completed the secretarial program before marrying the love of her life, Dominic C. Lucarell, on Sept. 17, 1955, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Youngstown. They shared 66 wonderful years of marriage until Dominic’s passing Jan. 20, 2022.

Virginia worked for the Youngstown Public School System for more than 50 years, serving first at the Board of Education and later at several schools as an attendance secretary. Her favorite roles were at Adams Junior High and Choffin Career Center, where she was honored with the Ruth Wilcox Secretarial Award. Known for her sense of humor and kindness, Virginia was beloved by her colleagues and students alike. She was an active member of the Secretaries and School Employees Union, often holding office and attending conventions.

A devoted member of St. Brendan Catholic Church since 1955, Virginia served the parish in many capacities. She was a member and officer of the Altar and Rosary Society and played a key role in organizing the church festival’s popular “White Elephant Booth.” She also served as parish council secretary and participated in the ladies’ volleyball team. From 1962 to 1988, she was an active member of the St. Brendan’s School Mothers Guild, supporting the Humility of Mary Sisters who staffed the school.

Virginia also served the community through her involvement in the Firemen’s Wives Club, supporting the Youngstown Fire Department during her husband’s career. She was a founding volunteer for First Night Youngstown and a member of the West Side Coalition.

For decades, Virginia and her family enjoyed summers at Geneva-on-the-Lake, forming lifelong friendships at Chestnut Grove and Indian Creek. Her fond memories of those summers stayed with her throughout her life.

Virginia loved road trips, shopping and spending time with her family. A passionate advocate for education, she supported the college educations of her children and grandchildren and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need. She was proud of her Slovak heritage and a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Dr. Linda Lucarell (Gary) Miller, and her son, Dominic M. Lucarelli (Michele Eberth), both of Youngstown; her grandchildren, Jonathan Paul (Kimberly) Miller of Gahanna and Stephanie Ann Miller (Paul Maddock) of Westerville; and her great-grandchildren, Ivy Miller, Annabelle Maddock, Luke Miller and Rosalyn Mae Maddock. She also leaves behind her beloved cousin, Patricia Friedman Shelley, and longtime friend, May Ma, both of whom were like sisters to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers Dennis M. Rigley and William M. Rigley, and many cherished aunts and uncles.

Family and friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where a funeral service will take place at 1 p.m.

Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Virginia’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Heritage Manor and Southern Care Hospice for their compassionate care.

In her memory, the family encourages everyone to perform a random act of kindness, take a Sunday drive, and enjoy laughter with loved ones.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ursuline High School, 750 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44505, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to share this obituary and to send condolences to Gini’s family.

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