It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph R. Lutz, 64, of Apopka, Florida announces his passing at his residence on September 5, 2018 after a 4 year battle with Mesothelioma. He was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph and surviving mother Theresa Grodecki Lutz. He attended Penn State University and was Catholic in faith. He retired from the United States Navy after 23 years of service. While serving his country, he traveled the world before finally relocating to Central Florida and retiring in 1998. He is survived by his wife of 26 years Donna Marnati Lutz, two sons, Christopher and Nathan Lutz, two daughters Elayne Ballard and Erica Marnati, three grandchildren and two brothers, Kenny and Dave Lutz.

"God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers" were words that Joe lived by as he was a true warrior and fought till his last breath.

A Celebration of Joe's Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be provided to the Mesothelioma foundation at the following link:

https://curemeso.salsalabs.org/tributepages/p/inlovingmemoryofjosephrlutzsfundraisingpage/index.html