Michele A. Luzio

Michele Ann (DiFede) Luzio, 65, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 11, 2025 at her home in Fairmount after a courageous two-year battle with breast cancer. Michele was cared for by her many family members and friends, surrounded by her children, Sylvie and Charlie, and her sisters, Pamela and Valerie, with special care provided by the Penn Hospice team.

Michele was born on January 3,1960, in Rochester, New York to Eleanore DiFede, who, together with Michele’s stepfather Francis DiFede (1932-2006), lovingly raised her alongside her siblings Kevin, Pamela, and Valerie. She was a graduate of Rush–Henrietta Senior High School in 1978.

Michele graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 1987 and had a successful legal career, spanning three decades, as a respected prosecutor for the Brooklyn and Queens District Attorneys’ offices and later as a real estate attorney in Westchester County. Michele is remembered by colleagues as a knowledgeable, passionate, and honorable member of their field. She was a fierce advocate for the victims she worked with, as well as a mentor to many young lawyers—all while raising her own children to be strong, compassionate, and kind individuals.

Michele is survived by her mother, Eleanore; her siblings, Kevin DiFede (Vickie DiFede), Pamela Chmiel (JC Chmiel), and Valerie Hart (Todd Hart); and her beloved children, Sylvie Luzio (Andrew Walters) and Charles Luzio (Zianya Sanchez-Luzio). Michele is further survived by her adored nephew and nieces, Felix, Veronica, and Helen Chmiel, among countless other dear family members and friends.

Michele is remembered by her loved ones as incredibly big-hearted, witty, and sharp. If you were lucky enough to know Michele, you know how it feels to have a friend who is always on your side.

Michele asked that any thoughtful remembrances be made to the following organizations:

Breathing Room Foundation

Providing individualized care and support to families affected by cancer by addressing their most critical needs so that they can concentrate their efforts on regaining their physical health.

Women’s Leadership Network at Brooklyn Law School

A scholarship established by the members of the Brooklyn Law School, Michele’s alma mater, that supports students who best exemplify the mission of the Women’s Leadership Network. Creating meaningful opportunities that connect and empower women in law through mentorship, networking, programming, and philanthropy. The Network aims to create an inclusive community that strengthens the voices and leadership of women in the legal profession.