Romeo V. Lupinacci, 82, of Cranberry Township, formerly of Sewickley, died Sunday at UPMC Passavant.

Born Oct. 29, 1922, in Sewickley, he was the son of Jim and Rose Brancato Lupinacci.

He was a retired master chef.

Mr. Lupinacci retired from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, but remained with the organization until 2003. He was a founder of several American Culinary Federation chapters around the country. He was a member of the American Academy of Chefs, the American Culinary Federation, American Legion Post 4 in Sewickley, Three Rivers Merchant Marines, Cranberry Elks Club 2249, life member of the Sewickley VFW Post 5756 and life member of Honorable Order of the Golden Toque. There is a culinary lab named after him, and he published his own cookbook.

He served his country in the Army during World War II.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 11838 in Cranberry Township where be obtained his third degree. He obtained his fourth degree at Wexford Knights of Columbus 2191.

He was a member of St. Ferdinand Roman Catholic Church in Cranberry Township.

He was the loving father of Ronald V. Lupinacci and his wife, Yemma, of Darlington; Roseann Davis and her husband, Richard, of Economy. He was the beloved brother of Vincent Lupinacci of Glenwillard, James Lewis of Michigan and Joseph Lupinacci of Titusville. He was the proud grandfather of Renee Geikler, Jay Johns, Brian Lupinacci and Bemmyr Mendez, and also the great-grandfather of Kaitlin and Megan Geikler.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Hreczuch Lupinacci; a daughter, Sandra Lupinacci; four sisters, Georgina Smith, Ann Lupinacci, Rosemary Solerto, and Vincenza (Babe) Kutchner; two brothers, Salvatore and Harry Lupinacci; and a great-granddaughter, Miranda Johns.

LUPINACCI - Visitation for Romeo V. Lupinacci, who died Sunday, June 5, 2005, will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at COPELAND'S SEWICKLEY FUNERAL HOME, 702 Beaver St., Sewickley. A prayer service will be at 9:45 a.m. Friday at St. Ferdinand Church in Cranberry Township, followed by a Mass of Christian burial.Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Moon Township. Mr. Lupinacci will be given full military honors.