Luigi Retrosi

Luigi Nicola Retrosi, 93, of Virginia Beach and formerly of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at his residence.

He was born on December 5, 1932, in Bassiano, Italy. He was the first child of the late Giuseppe and Lelia Retrosi.

As a young boy, Luigi enjoyed playing soccer and spending time with his friends. In his teen years, he developed the skills to become a tailor, and, in his late teens, he traveled to Rome and opened his own tailor shop. By coincidence, when he was traveling on a bus to visit his fiancée, Lucia, he happened to read a newspaper article where his friend, now late, Reginaldo Antonnicola, with whom he’d gone to tailor school, spoke of how the factories in the United States needed qualified tailors. Seeing an opportunity, Luigi decided he was destined to become an American. He completed the immigration application – then waited. At that time, the U.S. required tailors to be at least 24 years old before approving applications. After several years, he finally received a letter from the U.S. government to begin the immigration process. In 1959, Luigi married Lucia and, with the encouragement from his father and grandfather, Cesare Retrosi, he began the courageous journey to the United States. With $86 and a letter with a promise of a job in his pocket, he landed in New York City. Luigi often shared how he relied on the kindness of Americans to help him read letters and find places to sleep until he received his first paycheck.

Luigi’s supervisors recognized his ability to create quality clothing more efficiently and, within four years, he was promoted to a Quality Supervisor in Everett, PA. Then, in 1969, Luigi proudly obtained his U.S. Citizenship and was shortly promoted to Plant Manager for the company’s Alabama branch, when he moved his family to Anniston, Alabama.

In Alabama, Luigi and Lucia were committed to providing a quality education for their children. They often went without to have their 3 children, Lelia, Mario and Mirella, attend a Catholic school until their high school years. Lelia and Mario went on to graduate from the University of Alabama and Mirella graduated from James Madison University. Becoming a United States citizen and seeing his children graduate from college were a few of his proudest achievements.

While in Alabama, Luigi and Lucia also opened their own business, L & L Manufacturing, in an old school building near Talladega, AL. Unfortunately, with the downsizing of Fort McClellan and overseas competition, they decided to close their business. Luigi went on to find a position at a company that moved him and his family to Staunton, VA, where they lived for 33 years. In 2021, Luigi and Lucia moved to Virginia Beach, VA to be closer to family and enjoy the beach.

Through the years, Luigi and his wife were active parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anniston, AL and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Staunton, VA. They joined St. John’s Catholic Church when they moved to Virginia Beach, VA.

While Luigi traded his golf clubs for chair yoga, he still maintained his love for watching soccer and football. He instilled a love of family, his country, sports and the beach to each of his children.

Luigi is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lucia Retrosi; his children, Lelia Ingle (David), Mario Retrosi (Colette), Mirella Stalnaker (Ray); his four grandsons, Nicholas Ingle, Joshua Ingle, Ryan Stalnaker and Luciano Retrosi; his brothers in Italy, Sergio Retrosi, Antonio Retrosi and Quirrino Retrosi; and his sister, Teresa Retrosi. He’s blessed with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews in Italy. Luigi will be most remembered for his love of family, humble spirit, genuine smile, and pride of work. He is dearly loved by all his family and friends.

A funeral mass will be conducted at 12:00 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Staunton with the Reverend Matthias Lusembo officiating.

Entombment will follow at Oak Lawn Mausloeum and Memory Gardens in Staunton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in memory of Luigi Retrosi (118 North New Street, Staunton, VA 24401).

Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home.