Lucian Anthony Mascarella

Lucian “Nino” Anthony Mascarella departed this life on February 1, 2023 at 7:17 AM. He was a loving husband of 69 years and father of five children. Lucian was 91 years old, a native and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 2001, he and Wilma relocated to Mebane, NC to be with part of his family and lived there for the past 20 years. He was a veteran of both the US Navy and US Marine Corps and completed his service as a Staff Sergeant after over 12 years. Lucian volunteered for a combat role in the 1st Marine Division in the Korean War to honor a family member killed in action. His career in the Marines continued upon his return where he eventually served as an air traffic controller in New Orleans. After leaving the military, Lucian worked for over 21 years with the US Postal Service before retirement. After retirement, he focused on his kids and grandkids, dabbled in local politics, served in the restoration of the USS Kidd Navy destroyer, and taught youth firearm proficiency skills throughout the country. Lucian was very involved in local organizations in Mebane, especially the American Legion, being recognized as the oldest living military veteran in the local chapter. He was very proud of being a Marine and often reminded anyone whom he met, “I am a Marine, you know”, even after his memory of other important life events had faded away. Lucian will always be remembered as a huge LSU Tiger fan. He bled Purple and Gold. His reaction to LSU wins and losses was legendary. One of the family’s big events was to go grocery shopping as a group (Dad and the kids) then come home and make “special” dishes. It could have been spaghetti, BBQ pork, Sunday morning pancakes, or the Marine delicacy S.O.S.. But it was a well-planned, carefully executed event. His approach to dessert was particularly unique with many ritual steps… each portion distributed with care and detail. He made the simple task of roasting peanuts another unexpectedly fun event. Arriving home with fresh peanuts, he would make a performance of roasting them to perfection while the family watched in anticipation for the treat. Lucian was quite the prankster throughout his lifetime and was well known for bestowing nicknames on family and friends. You knew he liked you if you were special enough to get one… such as “hippo” or “goat”. He would frequently hide the grandkids’ favorite stuffed animals in of all places... the freezer. While riding in the car, he would talk about living near “Elf-land” instead of Efland and MawMaw would threaten to hit the car seat eject button to save us all from his “funny” jokes. Lucian was also known for carving intricate monkey figures out of peach pits and for drawing “Kilroy” on cards, letters, or even shipping boxes to let you know that he’d “been there”. All of his grandchildren cherish these memories of time spent with Lucian while he watched over, taught, and entertained them. And the kids never lacked for entertainment when PawPaw was around. Lucian is survived by his wife, Wilma Lee (Everett) Mascarella; Brother, Tommy; Children - Wayne / wife Jeanie, Bobby / wife Jackie, Greg / wife Chris, Charlie / wife Rhonda, and daughter Nancy. Nine Grandchildren, Courtney / husband Matt, Tiffani, Dylan, Brittni, Miles / wife Heather, Morgan, Jordyn, Gabriel / wife Alannah, Dominic, Katelyn / husband Reece, eight Great Grandchildren, Slade, Gage, Aiden, Brooke, Sebastian, Hayden, Juliette, and Hampton. Preceded in death by his father Charles Vincente Mascarella, mother Lucy (Territo) Mascarella, brothers Collie, Sammy, Vincent, Marion, Pat and sisters Marie, Josey, and Sarah. Visitation will be held on Tuesday February 7, 2023 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM. at McClure Funeral Service 1308 South Third St. Mebane. Funeral Services begin at 12:00 PM, conducted by Pastor Matt Roberts from New Heart Church of the Nazarene, Hillsborough, NC. The family would like to thank the Casket Guard, L/Cpl Alan D. Lam Detachment #1209, Marine Corps League for standing Honor Guard at the visitation. Their service is greatly appreciated. Burial will be held at Salisbury National Cemetery with full military honors on Wednesday Feb 8, 2023 (immediate family members). In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be sent at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net