Luke Bartholomew Vannicola

Luke Bartholomew Vannicola, 57, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, peacefully passed away surrounded by loving family on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer. 

Luke was a graduate of St. Elizabeth’s High School and became an HVAC master technician.  He was employed as the Facilities Maintenance Manager for the City of Rehoboth Beach. Growing up Luke played baseball and football. He stayed friends with many of this teammates / neighbors after all these years. Luke loved everything about life. Living at the beach, going out on his boat, a ride on his Harley with friends or a Harley sunset ride alone along the water’s edge. Luke’s love for music also came with associated memories. He loved going to band practice at “Grannies” in the basement. Luke was a member of the Choptank River Yacht Club in Denton MD. Every year he looked forward to the Annual Christmas Tree Day Club event and members.  His friendships ran deep. Luke was always up for a trip to the Italian market. Let’s not forget his love for holidays to be with family and sit around the big table at Mom’s.

Luke wanted the family to thank those who were side by side with him every day through this journey. They say it takes a village. Luke’s village was STRONG!

Luke is survived by his son, Luke A. Vannicola (Jessica); his mother, Margaret Anne (Regener) Vannicola; his fiancée, Wendy Davis and stepdaughter, Elizabeth; his brother, Mark C Vannicola, his sister, Angelique “Angel” Colombo (Charles), his nieces, Kimberly Bastek (Carl), Theresa and Catherine Colombo as well great nieces and great nephews.

Luke was predeceased by his father, Philip B. Vannicola, Sr.; his brother, Philip B. Vannicola, Jr.; his sister-in-law, Ruth Vannicola. 

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Thursday, November 13 from 9:30 – 11:00AM. A Catholic funeral service will begin at 11:00AM, immediately followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to:

Bringing Hope Home, https://bringinghopehome.org/donate/?form=FUNYNNBPKAW

Cancer Support Community of Delaware Memory Tribute Gift  https://cancersupportdelaware.org/contribute/

or Beebe Special Needs Fund, Memory Designation to the Tunnell Cancer Center, https://www.beebehealthcare.org/donate

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Luke Bartholomew Vannicola, please visit our floral store.