Lucille G. Massaro

Lucille G. Massaro died peacefully among family and friends at Redstone Highlands on Thursday October 3, 2024. 

Lucille was born on January 2, 1934, on Dean Street in the Larimar section of Pittsburgh to Matthew and Amelia Giordano. She grew up with two younger sisters Tina (Condron) and Marina (Coccaro). Her father Matthew worked as pharmacist and her mother Millie utilized her nutrition training and degree frequently cooking large meals for the extended family that included uncles and cousins many of whom lived in the same house.

As a young girl, Lucille enjoyed reading, walking to the movies with her sisters and attending Art classes on Saturdays. She attended Westinghouse High School where she was a cheerleader and participated in the drama and art clubs. 

After graduating from Westinghouse, she attended Duquesne University where she was active in various aspects of campus life. Combining her passion for art and her fondness for teaching children, she studied elementary education and graduated from Duquesne with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956. While at Duquesne she met Joseph Massaro who then went on to study at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. They were married on June 23, 1956. 

Lucille began her teaching career at Lemmington School and shortly thereafter accepted a position at Linden School in Point Breeze where she taught second grade. Even though her class sizes often exceeded 40 students, that didn’t deter her as she always said they were “really smart kids who were a joy to teach.” Meanwhile, her husband Joe and by now two young daughters Lisa and Laurie moved from Dean Street to Gettysburg Street in Point Breeze. This allowed Lucille and her two daughters Lisa and Laurie to have lunch together before returning back school for afternoon classes. Lucille always spoke fondly of her years in Point Breeze. 

After several years in Point Breeze, her husband Joe accepted a medical position at Latrobe Hospital and opened a medical practice. The family then moved to the Latrobe area and Lucille had a third child, Joey. 

Not long after, Lucille returned to work, first teaching gifted students in Derry before teaching second grade at Northern Area School and later teaching first grade at Mt. View School for the next 26 years. Lucille loved the unbounded energy and curiosity of a first grader. She sought to instill in every child a love of learning. Oftentimes she supplemented the classroom curriculum by putting on plays and musicals, highlighting current topics or themes. Holidays were not ignored, and every child had a part to play. 

Building on the children’s enthusiasm for stage productions, she started the CAPS (caring about people) program which raised money for children in need. 

In addition to teaching Lucille enjoyed singing, playing the piano and attending musicals, especially ones in which her grandchildren played a part. During the summer months, you could find Lucille at Charter Oak Pool or tending her front yard which she always filled with flowers. 

She had great fun playing tennis and watching sports. She began playing tennis in the mid 1970s and never stopped until a few years ago. She passed her enthusiasm for tennis onto her children and grandchildren. She also made many dear and close friend through tennis.

As a spectator she enjoyed watching Steeler games with family and was thrilled to watch the Duquesne Dukes play in the NCAA tournament this past spring, which reminded her of the years when the Dukes were a perennial powerhouse. 

Family and community held a special place with Lucille. She insisted on hosting holiday meals at her house frequently packing the basement of her house in Charter Oak with family. No one walked away hungry. 

She is survived by her three children Lisa Barnes and husband Dr. Richard Barnes, Laurie Trippet and husband Bruce Trippet, and Joey Massaro and his wife Kathy Massaro, her ten grandchildren Erica Geffert and husband Marcus, Aaron Trippet, Amy Puccini and her husband Nick, Lauren Ottaviani and her husband Cory, Megan Feldman and her husband Nick, Ryan Barnes, Matthew Barnes and his wife Carly, Avery Massaro, John Massaro, and Allison Massaro; and the great grandchildren Lincoln Geffert, Leonard (Leo) and Lucille (Lucy) Puccini, Ella and Cameron Ottaviani, and Mason and Jack Feldman. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Redstone Highland staff, nurses and hospice team for their kindness, care and compassion during her stay over the last two years. 

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, October 8 from 4 to 8 pm in the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, INC. 524 N. Main St., Greensburg. Lucille’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 9 at 10 am in St. Vincent Basilica Parish, Latrobe.

In lieu of flowers donations, may be made to in honor of Lucille to Clelian Heights and Adams Memorial Library (children reading programs). 

Online condolences are welcome at www.kepplegraft.com