Obituary of Luigi C. Sciandra

Luigi C. Sciandra, aged 80, passed away peacefully at home in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, on December 11, 2024, surrounded by his entire family. Born on December 20, 1943, in Genoa, Italy, Luigi was the beloved son of Pietro Sciandra and Antoinetta (Valle). 

Growing up in Italy, he was surrounded by the Ligurian sea coast in Genoa and the mountains in Pomparato (Piedmont Region). You would find him often in his mother’s restaurant. 
Luigi began his journey at the Accademia Navale di Livorno (Italian Navy) where he spent his time sailing on naval ships and traveling to various ports, reaching 1st Ship Engineering Lieutenant Officer when he graduated. He then continued his education at the University of Rome where he obtained his degree in Mechanical Engineering and became a licensed professional engineer. He furthered his education by obtaining his PhD in Mechanical HVAC Engineering from the Universita di Genoa, where he subsequently taught as an Associate Professor in Engineering.  He then began a 13-year career with the American Bureau of Shipping where he traveled the world performing his duties in design and review of underwater vehicles and ship machinery. 

Seeking new opportunities, Luigi moved to the United States in 1981. There, he furthered his education, achieving his Masters in Mechanical / Structural Engineering from the New York University Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute School of Engineering. Also in 1981, by a chance meeting, he met his wife Kathleen, whom he married in 1982, and had their four piles of gold, his four children. During this time, he also began his Engineering Consulting business, which he provided engineering, mechanical, structure services for residential and commercial buildings, including the design for many international aquariums’ large-scale underwater exhibits and most notably the design for the Disney Submarine Voyage underwater vessel ride. 

His distinguished career culminated when Luigi became the Code Enforcement Officer in his hometown, the Town of Smithown, New York, where he had a 5-minute commute and was able to come home every day for lunch. He retired in this role after 18 years.  His work ethic and dedication were evident in all he accomplished.

Luigi's life was defined by his deep love for his family. A devoted husband to his wife of 42 years, Kathleen (Daniels) Sciandra, Luigi found joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and german shepherds. He enjoyed talking about astrology, calculus, loved to cook, swim in his pool, go to the beach, and watch 80s movies mostly with Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd and Bill Murray. His faith played a central role in his life, he prayed every day, and he was a long-time member of Christ the King Roman Catholic Church on Long Island. In November 2023, Luigi and Kathleen relocated to Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, to be closer to family.

Luigi leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathleen; his four cherished children, Claudia Sciandra Peirce (John), Kevin Sciandra (Nicole), Victoria Stokes, and John Mark Sciandra; and nine adored grandchildren: Olivia, Julia, Lydia, twins Cecelia and Cynthia, Alexandria, Adriana, Christopher, and Everett. He is also survived by his niece, Loredana, and nephew, Lorenzo. Luigi is predeceased by his parents, Pietro and Antoinetta, and his brother, Simone "Gino" Bonacorsi.

Visitation with family and friends in Pennsylvania will be on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 9:15-10:15 AM at St. Thomas More, 2101 Pottstown Pike, Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19465. A funeral mass will be held immediately after at 10:30 AM, followed by a lunch gathering at the Inn at St. Peters. The mass will be live streamed.  To view the live stream, please visit the St. Thomas More Parish Website and click on "***CLICK HERE FOR LIVESTREAM***" at the top of the website.

Visitation with family and friends in New York will be on Wednesday, December 18, 2024  at St. Charles Cemetery, 1100 New Highway, Farmingdale NY 11735 at 11:30am, followed by a lunch gathering provided by the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Luigi's honor to the National Center for Padre Pio (Padre Pio Memorial Gift ).

Online condolences can be made at www.rstrunkfuneralhome.com. All arrangements are being handled by the R. Strunk Funeral Home, Phoenixville, PA.