Lucille Ann Behar, loving wife and mother with a kind heart and a peaceful spirit went home to the Lord on Sunday October 30, 2022. Born in East Orange New Jersey, she was the first daughter of Italian immigrants Louise and Angelo Riccaradello whose names she memorialized on Ellis Island. Her father passed when Lucy was only 3 years old. Lucy, her mother Louise and younger sister Marie went to live with her Grandparents Mike and Michelle Tobia and their six children. Lucy got her awesome work ethic early helping Grandma Tobia with domestic chores. She also acquired Grandma’s amazing Italian cooking which her family enjoyed thru out her lifetime.
After Graduating East Orange High School in 1947, Lucy married Wally Moreira in 1951. They were blessed with four children, Steven, Glenn, Barbara Ann and Walter Jr. Wally her husband suffered an early debilitating illness that eventually took his life. Lucy worked tirelessly around the clock to take care of him and became the primary caregiver of their children.
In 1977 Lucille met her loving husband Joseph Behar while operating (Lucy’s Diner). They married in 1978. This brought Joseph ‘s three daughters Debra, Teresa, and Joanne into her life.
After her second marriage Lucy sold the diner and began her career as a public servant with the City of West Orange New Jersey. Due to her outstanding administrative skills Lucy rose thru various departments to become the administrative assistant to Mayor Sam Spina. She was also an active Rotarian until she retired in 1996.
Tragically in 1985 Lucy suffered the loss of her youngest son Walter. She often said, “No Mother should ever have to bury her child” She found comfort and strength in Mary the mother of Jesus!
In 1999, after the birth of their twin grandchildren Walter and Sophia, Joe and Lucy bought a second home in Longwood Florida to spend more time with Steven and Glenn along with their families.
While Joe remained active helping both sons with various real estate projects. Lucy helped both families in many ways. She obtained a Florida Mortgage Brokers license to help Steven at his mortgage company and spent months caring for her youngest grands Walter and Sophia while Tammy was recuperating from a difficult pregnancy.
In 2005 life changed again, Lucy was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, after surgery in New York City, she was lovingly cared for by her Husband and her daughter Barbara and her family until she made a full recovery and returned to Florida. Tragically this cancer returned in September 2022 for the final battle.
Lucy’s entire life was built around Love and Family. She was raised Roman Catholic. She always would say “You do not need a church to love the Lord and be a good person.” She prayed the rosary and other prayers every day. Her favorite Saint was St Jude.
Lucy is survived by her loving Husband Joseph, Sons Steven Moreira, Glenn Moreira (Wife Mary), Barbara Ann Golla (Husband Walter), stepdaughters, Deborah Mombaur, Teresa Brown (Husband Gary), Joanne Pawlowski (Husband Richard), 12 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren.
We are grateful to have had this beautiful, loving woman in our lives and know that she is in heaven with our brother Wally!
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Annunciation Church ,1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs Thursday Nov 10th at 10 am followed by a reception TBD.