Marilyn (née Merkle) Lucchese

In Loving Memory of Marilyn Lucchese (née Merkle)

Marilyn Lucchese, a lifelong lover of art, music, and all things beautiful, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at Holmes Regional Hospital in Melbourne, Florida. She was 80.
Born on March 31, 1945, in Rockville Centre, New York, Marilyn lived a life rich with creativity and song. A longtime resident of Cocoa Beach, she earned her Associate of Arts degree in Art History from Eastern Florida State College. Her artistic spirit found expression in every part of her life. An accomplished artist, she filled her world with color, texture, and imagination.
Marilyn’s voice was as remarkable as her brushstroke. A gifted singer, she lent her talent to countless weddings, funerals, and church events, always bringing comfort and joy through music. For a time, she even graced the stage as a nightclub singer—a chapter she remembered fondly. She also shared her love of celebrations through her event planning venture, An Affair to Remember, which specialized in creating memorable weddings filled with beauty and personal touches.
She is survived by her younger sister, Diane Rettig (Alan Rettig); her daughters, Marin L. Lawrence (Ben Lawrence) and Maura Lucchese; her stepson, Bill Lucchese; her beloved grandchildren, Adam Lawrence, Andy Emerson, Phoebe Emerson, Christopher Lucchese, and Kimberly Lucchese; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her older sister, Bette Olson (Tom Olson), and her stepson, K.C. Lucchese.
Throughout her life, Marilyn surrounded herself with dogs, each one a cherished companion. Those who knew Marilyn will remember her warmth, her laughter, and her love for life’s small moments—a painting drying in the afternoon sun, a familiar song sung just right, a dog asleep at her feet.
Her spirit lives on in the art she created the music she shared, and the hearts of all who loved her.
A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at the Pelican Beach Clubhouse in Satellite Beach at 9:30 a.m. on November 7, 2025.