George Lucchesi

Mr. George Lucchesi

Resident of Aptos

85, (formerly of San Jose), passed away peacefully in the early hours on November 2, 2010 in Watsonville, California. George was born on June 25, 1925, in San Jose, Ca, the youngest of 4 brothers to Italian immigrants, Joseph and Margaret Lucchesi. He was raised on Almaden Avenue, in a large Italian neighborhood fondly known as "Goosetown".

George was a proud graduate of both Woodrow Wilson Junior High School and San Jose Technical School. At the young age of 17, George enlisted in the Navy. He was inspired by all 3 of his brothers whom were all serving in the military during WWII. George was deployed in both the Asiatic and Pacific Theatres. After his discharge from the Navy, George met the love of his life, Marguerite Tosello. The two were married in 1949 and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this past July.

In February of 1953, George began his 27 year career with the San Jose Fire Department and was promoted to Captain in 1963. He frequently recalled the highlights of his firefighting career. Most significant events included the 1956 Pacific Truck Fire and Explosion. He said, "We should have all been killed". In the late 1950,s a paint store fire on E. Santa Clara St., "We were covered in chemicals", and 1965 Crest Theatre Fire where he pulled his crew out moments before a roof collapsed, saving fellow fireman's lives. He was also so proud to have delivered a baby at his station (Sta. 24). His dedication to the SJFD didn't stop after retirement in March of 1980. George worked in the union to ensure benefits for the employees and retirees, as well as for the Widows and Orphans of Firefighters and Policemen.

He led by example. Both of his sons followed in his footsteps, George J., a Ret. Fire Captain of San Jose Fire, and John, a Battalion Chief with Santa Cruz City Fire, as well as his two grandsons, Nick, with Branciforte Fire Protection District and Marc, a Firefighter/Medic with Santa Cruz City Fire. His dedication to the fire department though, was dwarfed in comparison to the dedication towards his family. Nothing pleased him more than to spend time with dear family and friends. Many a party and holiday were celebrated in his home in Willow Glen, where no one was a stranger. Most of all, George loved his beloved wife, Marguerite. Both moved from San Jose to their beach house in Rio Del Mar, after Marguerite was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. His devotion to her was his driving force in his final years and was apparent to us all, even in his last days.

George is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret Lucchesi, brothers Joseph and John P. Lucchesi. He leaves his beloved wife Marguerite, of Aptos, sons George (Sharon) of Aptos, John P. (Linda) of Soquel, dear brother Jacob of San Jose, cherished grandchildren, Cara, Nick (Jenna), Christina, Marc, Kaitlyn Lucchesi and great-grand children Makaila, Benjamin and Brianna Lucchesi, brother-in-law Merrill Malvini of Aptos, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held at Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel, 1927 Ocean St, Santa Cruz on Monday, November 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. followed by graveside committal services. Visitation for family and friends will be at the chapel on Sunday from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Santa Cruz Memorial in charge of arrangements.

Any acts of charity can be made in George's name to your local Alzheimer's Association or to your local Hospice. A very special thank you from George's family to his caregivers Roseanne Antolin and Cheryl Corpuz and to Hospice of Santa Cruz.