Obituary: Brian A. Luciani, 60, Of Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE, CT — (From Sisk Brothers Funeral Home): Brian Luciani of Woodbridge, passed away peacefully on August 31 in the arms of his wife and surrounded by his children. Brian was born on November 20, 1962 to Alison and Adolph Luciani Jr. and was a lifelong resident of Woodbridge.

He graduated from Amity High School in 1980 before attending Bucknell University, where he was a proud member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. Upon graduation from Bucknell in 1984, he joined his father at Group Insurance Associates.

Brian grew this small family business into Blueprint Benefit Advisors, one of the largest group benefit firms in Connecticut. He was a leader in the insurance industry, and was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board at United Benefit Advisors in Chicago.

Brian married the love of his life, Julie, in 1990 and together they raised five children. He was a true family man. Brian loved skiing, gardening, vacationing with his family, and golf trips with his friends. His favorite place was Kiawah Island, SC, where his family summered each year and he eventually bought a home there for his family and friends to enjoy.

Brian was deeply rooted in the town of Woodbridge. He was a coach and mentor to many athletes in town. He served on the executive board of the Woodbridge Father’s Baseball League and helped to found the Woodbridge Soccer Club and the Woodbridge Travel Basketball League. He served as Police Commissioner in Woodbridge for many years and as a lector in his church. He loved his Luciani cousins and all of the picnics on the family farm.

Brian’s generosity was limitless. He was a great friend to all. He was always ready to provide a helping hand, a listening ear or sage advice to anyone in need. He was the ultimate problem solver and an eternal optimist. He fought his battle against cancer fiercely, courageously and with dignity for two and a half years. He never once complained or let anyone feel sorry for him. Up to his last day, Brian would say “I live a charmed life and I am blessed.” To all who knew him, he was larger than life and he leaves behind an enormous legacy.

Brian is survived by his wife Julie and their five children; Matthew Luciani (Kyra), Caroline Khader (Tarek), Christian Luciani (Florette), Anna-Claire Luciani, Ellie Luciani, and his granddaughter Hailey. He also leaves his mother Alison Luciani, his sister Jill Luciani (Thomas Bouchard) and his brother Gary Luciani, twelve nieces and nephews and countless cousins. Brian was pre-deceased by his father Adolph Luciani Jr. who passed in December of this past year. Lastly, he leaves his beloved dogs Kodi and Rosie and his cat Poppy who all gave him tremendous joy and comfort during his illness.

Friends may call Friday, September 8 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Road, Woodbridge. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Burial to follow at Eastside Cemetery, 157 Pease Road, Woodbridge.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital. The family would like to thank Dr. Jill Lacy, Teresa White, APRN, Dr. Vikram Reddy, and all of the nurses at Smilow who provided excellent, compassionate care to Brian over the course of his illness.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Sisk Brothers Funeral Home here.