Bloomfield: Centenarian Richard Albert Lucas passed away at the age of 100 on Friday, October 14th 2022 at FF Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY. Born in Olean, NY on November 20th 1921 He was the second of nine children to parents Alvy and Minnie Lucas. Richard is predeceased by his beloved wife Edith Mae Lucas and children; Edward Gray, Inez Otis and Deborah Gray-Peraino. Survived by his children; son, Benjamin H. Lucas and daughter and dedicated caretaker, Judy F. Judy. his grandchildren, Heather (Danny) Gray-Lilker, Amanda Lucas (Alan Hall), Stacey (Mark) Russum, Richard Lucas, Jordan Lucas, Christopher Lucas, Andrew Lucas, and Cheri (Rich) Barlow; along with his great grandchildren, Thomas “Alex” Lucas and Michael Russum.
Richard was a three war veteran and he started his military career in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He was a skillful man, his career outside of the military also included working as the superintendent of building and grounds for Ontario County. From 1989 to 2019, Richard volunteered his time playing the role of Santa Claus every year for many charities which brought joy and Christmas spirit to many children and families. Richard was a past commander and lifetime member of the Honeoye-Hemlock American legion and also a lifetime member of the NRA. Richard had a passion for music which inspired him to organize bluegrass and country music jam fests and concerts. He also attended many such events. He had a great love for animals, and was extremely passionate about raising and training Boxer dogs from Germany to the United States. He was an honorable and beneficent family man that is loved by many. He spent his life serving his community striving to make a real difference in the lives of others. A man that was willing to do anything for friends and family and often strangers. He will be missed. See you later alligator…
Friends and family are invited to call from 4-6PM on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 8624 Main Street in Honeoye where his Memorial Service and Military Honors will immediately follow at 6PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Honeoye – Hemlock American Legion: PO Box 478, Honeoye, NY 14471. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I used to play music with Dick’s brother, Johnny. It was always a pleasure to see Dick out enjoying the music. Condolences to the family.
I will never forget when Uncle Dick and Aunt Eidth came too our farm in MO too pick me up too go up too Nev too pickup Uncle Donny too bring him back too live with us. We got too visit some with family up there for awhile. Then we headed back and had some bad luck up in Kansas City the rvs canopy decided too open and not go back in uncle dick got us home safe all within 24 hrs of when we left GREAT Man he was. We ended up laughing about that trip for all these years. He said don’t be scàred se can always fly back. LOL
19 October 2022.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Commander Lucas, and his daughter Ms. Judy, in the summer of 2015. I immediately fell in love with his gentle, kind, sweet and caring spirit. Commander was a man of integrity, grace, honor and respect, for his fellow man. I was often invited to attend and participate in various activities, at the American Legion,
he always made me feel welcome.
I remember when Commander invited me to attend a very special occasion, when he was honored and given special recognition for participating in three wars. I was elated to celebrate him, on such a monumental occasion, regarding his exemplary military service. Congressman Collins, presented him with an award and an American flag from the Capitol.
Commander was quite instrumental in my becoming a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary 1278, of Honeoye, New York. He had a deep passion for myself and other veterans, because we served honorably, that all veterans, despite the era, would be given an equal opportunity to become members of the American Legion. When it was finally approved that all veterans, that served in the military, no matter what Era, could now become a member of the American Legion. I joined and immediately contacted Commander, just to tell him thank you. He response, Good! I could hear his smile over the phone, as he chuckled!
He will be sadly missed, I shall never forget the many acts of kindness that he bestowed upon me.
Take your rest Commander Lucas, you were an awesome soldier.
I salute you and honor you!
Best regards!
Dr. Apostle Charlene Knight
American Legion Member
Sending prayers with the family and Judy this is Little Margie as you always called me if you get a chance send me a friend’s request again I’m under Carpenter and I will accept it miss you all with love
I didn’t know you gor very long but I know you were a great man and fun loving it was an honor to have known you and I will miss you sitting at our table at lunch on Wednesdays y thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Lucas family love you Judy praying for strength you will b e very much missed sir
We will miss him at lunch! Rip Santa you were very loved !
Dear Judy & Family – many prayers for God’s comfort for you all. Dick was a good man and his deeds will reap a great reward! So sorry to hear of your loss. I was in NY in Sept. and down to the legion but so many people to see and not enuff time. Love to all, Monica
Luke lived a long and good life. He and cousin Edith would visit us at least once a year in Massachusrtts. He was always interesting and his company enjoyable. They loved going to the stores and telling the children Santa was there and passing out Worthers candies. They brought smiles to so many. He was always ready to lend a helping hand if there was anything he could do. There was always a trip to Denny’s on their visits. Now he is reunited with Edith-may they both RIP. Santa will be missed this year. Sending love, hugs and sympathy to his family.
Su & Bob
My heart is broken……sending my love and prayers to everyone . The best uncle the best Santa the best brother father and husband you will be missed until we meet in heaven I love you Uncle Dick
I know I will see you in Heaven. RIP Sir!
R.I.P. Brother-In-Red.
sorry for your loss.
Well Done, Sir RIP
My deepest sympathy to the family. Richard was a true gentleman and dedicated individual. It was my honor to meet and get to know him through the legion. His loos leaves a large void for so many. May all of you find peace with the many memories you have of him. Judy, you were the best daughter anyone could ask for.
His parents were Alvy and Minnie and he was the 2nd of ten children…..
I have many memories from my youth that go something like this:
I am getting off the school bus or walking home from school and as my house comes into view I see a giant winabago parked outside of it.
It always takes me a moment to realize the meaning. My grandparents are here!! My steps quicken and I also realize that means it’s close to my or my sister’s birthday.
They spent much of their retirement traveling across country. Driving from one family’s home to another. They never missed our birthdays.
Every grandchild got a trip to Chucky Cheese for their birthday and when we got too old for that we got a trip to Dennys. THey took us to Darien Lake or Sea Breeze park every summer. They knew I loved kiwis so they would always bring me a huge amount of them. Also Gallons of apple cider my dad loved.
Every one of their grandchildren got the same treatment. As is typical of children I was always vigilant to notice if something wasn’t fair between siblings and cousins. Who’s getting treated better than me? Well with my grandparents the answer was “no one”
my grandpa is prominent in many of my happiest memories. He was one of the ones making sure I got to experience things that turned into the memories I cherish most.
When I was 14 I wanted to learn guitar. When my grandpa heard of my interest he came right over with one of his guitars to give me. He taught me my first 5 guitar chords and how to best switch between them. To this day I can’t play an “all finger G” without thinking of him.
He took me to the Air Force base to get a real pair of combat boots. That was a great birthday. We had just moved to Las Vegas from NY and I thought that meant no more visits from my grandparents. They were getting older and we didn’t have any family farther than Texas. They still came. I love them for that.
I don’t recall one memory of my grandpa saying “I love you” when I expressed verbal affection he’d just tease me. Like many men of his generation especially those that saw combat, my grandpa didn’t use words to show his love. He used action. Even though he never said the words, I never doubted his love for me. it shined through in ?how he treated me.
This November my grandpa would’ve turned 101 years old.
He’s lived so long because of the way he lived. Always active. Always ?eager to help family, friends and often strangers. He never smoked drank or swore. He strived for goodness in action his whole life.
I am grateful for how he helped shape my heart and worldview.
He passed away on Friday. he’s not hurting anymore but we all are.
I remember a notebook that was forever in his front pocket. He used it to write down his driving mileage among other things. I always wanted to look in it as a kid. He was smart and frugal and taught us all how to live well not with words but with the way he lived.
GODSPEED…..
If there is anything I can do..
I know it will take time, please feel free at anytime to call, love you Guuuuuurl, STAY STRONG!
You know he’s in a better place, for he didn’t want you, nor him to suffer.
Was my pleasure meeting you at Dave afternoon jams many years ago. Mr. Richard Lucas may you R.I.P… you will be missed!
So very sorry for your loss.