William E. “Bill” Lucia, 67, a resident of 112 Poplar Drive, Franklin died peacefully at 10:15 PM Sunday, January 29, 2017 in his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born April 8, 1949 in Warren, a beloved son of the late: Joseph A. and S. Frances McKenna Lucia.

Bill was a 1967 graduate of Warren Area High School and graduated in 1969 from New Castle Business School.

Bill proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War era, earning rank of Staff Sergeant.

Following his honorable discharge from duty, Bill attended Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1975 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. He continued with his education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated in 1978 with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Bill was also licensed to practice as a Certified Public Accountant for many years.

Bill was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick Church in Franklin where he served as a lector and as a longtime member of the parish finance council. He was also a longtime member of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus.

He had served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross. Bill loved his family and had especially enjoyed being a Cub Scout leader and coach for soccer and basketball while his sons were growing up.

In addition to his many years as a CPA in the private sector, Bill spent much of his working career specializing in healthcare finance. He had formerly worked with the Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, WV and was the longtime Chief Financial Officer of the former Franklin Regional Medical Center and UPMC-Northwest until his retirement in 2005. He also spent a number of years as the Finance Director at Community Services of Venango County, retiring from that post in December of 2015.

He was married June 17, 1972 at Holy Redeemer Church in Warren to the former Heidi Ruhlman, who survives.

In addition to his beloved wife of 44 years, he is survived by three sons: Matthew J. Lucia and wife Carissa of Orange, CT, Mark W. Lucia and wife Teresa of Austin, TX and Stephen L. Lucia and wife Erica of Milwaukee, WI; in addition to his grandchildren, whom he cherished: Brynn and Madden Lucia of Orange, CT and Lauren Lucia of Austin, TX.

Also surviving is his sister, Rita Tuley of Warren and his brother, Richard Lucia and wife Mary Pat of Erie and brothers-in-law: Martin Ruhlman and wife Jill of Myrtle Beach, SC and Lawrence Ruhlman and wife Rebecca of Madison, AL; in addition to many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ross and Dorothy Ruhlman, an infant brother: Thomas Lucia, a brother-in-law: Paul Tuley and by two nephews: Scott Rieder and an infant nephew, Daniel Ruhlman.

Friends may call Friday 2-4 & 6-8 PM in the Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home, 1328 Elk Street, Franklin. A Christian Wake Service will be conducted Friday afternoon at 3:30 PM in the funeral home with Deacon Richard O’Polka of St. Patrick Church, presiding.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 AM in St. Patrick Church in Franklin with Monsignor John J. Herbein, pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Warren.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be directed in Bill’s name to either: St. Patrick Church Building Fund, 949 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323, Community Services of Venango County, Inc., Transit Building, 4th Floor, 206 Seneca Street, Oil City, PA 16301 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Please visit: www.hartlefuneralhome.com for further information and to leave your personal condolence.