A devoted and loving father who was a self-taught artist
MELROSE — Luke R. Volpe, a Melrose resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, March 11, 2022 at home.
Luke was born in Boston on September 13, 1933, he was raised in Brighton. He entered the Army in 1953 and served his country during the Korean Conflict. He met the love of his life, his eternal soulmate in 1951 and their love affair lasted until his final breath. The day he met his wife was the luckiest day of his life he would often say. Luke and his wife, Antoinette, had two children Ronald A. Volpe of Danville, California and Phyllis M. Reynolds of Melrose. Luke and Antoinette provided the most loving of homes within the embrace of their love and devotion.
Luke graduated from Boston University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army. He was a very well respected engineer, with his area of expertise being in Semiconductor Manifestation, working for many years at Transitron in Wakefield, Analog Devices and Dynamics Research Corporation in Andover. He is credited with developing seminal critical processes and is named in four U.S. Patents.
He was a devoted, loving and very involved dad. Teaching his children to ski, water-ski, ride bikes along with involvement in youth sports and youth activities in Melrose.
He is perhaps most well known locally, for his immensely talented artwork. He was self taught, a member of the Cambridge Art Association and the Reading Art Association. His exhibits were many, often exhibiting during the Home for the Holidays celebration in Melrose at the Beebe Estate. His art also hangs in many New England homes. He volunteered at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, for many years after his retirement.
Luke and Antoinette, along with their family, spent many summers and vacations at their peaceful and beautiful home in Barnstead, N.H. on Suncook Lake surrounded by family. He was a member of the Boston sailing club, and enjoyed sailing for many years on Lake Winnepesaukee in his boat the Kelly Ann.
And when his grandchildren came along the joy and happiness he displayed filled the room.
Luke was the beloved husband of 68 years to Antoinette M. (Gianino) Volpe. Loving father of Ronald A. Volpe and his wife, Suzanne, of Danville, Calif. and Phyllis M. Reynolds and her husband, Patrick, of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Christopher Reynolds and his wife, Julianne; Kelly Reynolds, Ryan Volpe, Allison Volpe Johannes and her husband, Eric; Grace Volpe and Nicolas Volpe. Proud great grandfather of Adeline Reynolds. Caring brother of Dennis Volpe of Brockton and the late John Volpe. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Monday, March 21, 2022 from 4 – 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield, on Tuesday, March 22, at 11 a.m. Followed by a burial with military honors at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Luke’s name to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 11 Grove St., Wakefield, MA 01880 or to All Care Hospice, 210 Market St., Lynn, MA 01901. To send an online message of condolence please go to www.gatelyfh.com. 
