Anthony Lucifero

Anthony Lucifero, 88, of Newtown Square, PA, and formerly of Springfield, PA, passed away peacefully May 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Morello) Lucifero; their 65th wedding anniversary would have been on June 24th.

Anthony was born on August 26, 1937, in Isca Sullo Ionio, Province of Catanzaro, in the Calabria region of Italy. He was the son of the late Guerino Lucifero and Barbara Lucifero. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his parents-in-law, Frank and Rose Morello, his brother, Frankie Lucifero; his sister, Rita (Lucifero) Mammarella; his brothers-in-law, Nicola Mammarella and Joseph Dezzi; his sister-in-law, Rosemarie (Morello) Dezzi; and his nephews, Silvio Mammarella and Anthony M. Lucifero.

At age 15, Anthony emigrated by boat to the United States with his mother, paving the way for his father and siblings to join them. The family settled in South Philadelphia. Fluent in Italian, he learned English while attending night school and remained deeply proud of his Italian heritage.

After arriving in the United States, Anthony worked as a bricklayer and later pressed suits in a tailor shop. He went on to build a career as a hairstylist, owning salons under the business name Anthony Roma. A talented business owner and beautician, Anthony took great pride in his work and in providing for his family. He had a heartfelt appreciation for beauty in all things and expressed it through the care he gave to everything around him.

Anthony was a resident of Springfield for more than 40 years and a member of Holy Cross Parish, where he and Barbara raised their four children. In addition to Springfield, he held a special affection for his home in Cape May, NJ, where the family cherished time together beginning in 1971.

Anthony enjoyed hunting and fishing and found great satisfaction in working the land. Inspired by his father and by memories of life on a farm in Italy, he spent each summer in Cape May tending a large garden filled with fruits and vegetables, along with cultivated grapevines. He also took pleasure in preserving peppers and tomatoes and planting peach and plum trees in the backyard; his fig trees remain a lasting reminder of his care. Some of his favorite summer traditions included meals of crabs, and spaghetti and barbecues shared on the back patio.

In addition to his annual garden, he took pride in warm-weather routines, keeping his lawn and flowerbeds meticulously maintained. Anthony was gifted in many trades, including carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing—skills he acquired from his father-in-law, as well as through his own determination and self-teaching. He commonly expressed, “I worked hard all my life,” and those words were evident in the life he built, the work he accomplished, and the love he gave.

He enjoyed talking and connecting with people and was known for his warmth and natural gift of conversation. He would easily strike up a chat with anyone he met.

He had a special fondness for dogs, especially German Shepherds. His last dog, Buddy, was a loyal companion by his side for 13 years.

Anthony was devoted to his family and always sought to provide the very best for those he loved. Deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, he held a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. He will be remembered for his love of family, his resilience, and a life well lived. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the family he loved so deeply.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara (Morello) Lucifero; his loving children, Donna Cavanaugh (James), Barbara Ann Lucifero, Danielle Sheahan (Timmy), and Anthony Lucifero (Faith); and his cherished grandchildren, Michael Cavanaugh (Brie), Anthony Lucifero, Analise Sheahan, Frankie Sheahan, and Drake Lucifero. He was the proud great-grandfather of Joey Cavanaugh and Emma Cavanaugh. He is also survived by his dear brothers and sisters-in-law, Salvatore Lucifero (Carmella), Bruno Lucifero (Geraldine), and Marshall Lucifero (Angela), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on May 22, 2026, at 9:30-10:45 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 651 E Springfield Rd, Springfield, PA 19064, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association.