Memories of Charles Lucania

Aunt: He had an 'exceptional love for his parents'

My nephew, Charles, was a special kind of son. He loved the beach so much that he bought a home off Atlantic Beach. One summer day we were on the beach with family and friends (another gathering at Charles'). At one point, while I was seated in a chair on the beach, he stood in front of me, with his big, broad chest and told me how he wanted his parents to sell their house and come live with him, which would help them in retirement. He would build a second floor on his house. He knew how much they also loved the beach. I chuckled and told him he would have to pass this by any future wife. His response was that he would not marry anyone who would not accept his parents. "She'd be out of here."

It is a rare son who calls his mother every day, just to say he loved her. In fact, he called her on that day, to put her mind at ease, and told her Tower 1 just got hit, but he would be safe and get out of the building ASAP. He has never been found. He had many friends and girlfriends, but as he would say, "family comes first."

Anna Florentino, Malverne