Thomas George Lukowski

Thomas “Tom” George Lukowski, 80, died peacefully at home in Slidell, Lousiana, on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, surrounded by Joan, his loving wife of 56 years, as well as family and friends.

Tom’s dedication to country and generosity to others was well-known. Both were very important to him in both his personal and professional life.

He was born Friday, August 5, 1941, to the late Irene Weissenegger Lukowski and Alexander Lukowski in New Orleans, La.  

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He enjoyed sharing stories of his world travels, as well as RV trips across the country with Joan. Hunting and fishing brought him great pleasure and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and skills with younger generations, particularly his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Joan, Tom is survived by four children (Deborah Orzehoskie, Lisa (Van) Wiggins, Stacey (Michael) Yuja, and Tommy (Jamie) Lukowski). He loved spending time with them and his ten grandchildren (Angelina Orzehoskie; Kathryn, Nicholas, Thomas, Daniel and Victoria Wiggins; Alex, Matthew, and Isabella Yuja; and Eleanor Lukowski). He is also survived by his sister Angela Lukowski Ryan, and her daughter Amanda.   

Following graduation from Cor Jesu High School and Louisiana State University in New Orleans, La., Tom was selected to attend the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was assigned to the USS Oglethorpe. That was the beginning of his 31-year illustrious Naval career culminating in the rank of Commander. He was particularly proud of this service and the experiences it created for him.His professional career included 28 years with Freeport-McMoRan that took Tom and his family around the world and across the country.   For more than 50 years, he served in many roles at various departments as a volunteer firefighter from emergency medical technician, captain and chief.  He saved countless lives while providing comfort and care to thousands. Tom also knew the value of training and enjoyed learning new skills himself, while training others.

He was a devoted Catholic. To honor and celebrate Tom’s life, a funeral mass is scheduled Monday, February 7 at 12:00 noon at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 400 Westchester Blvd., Slidell, LA. 70458.

Visitation for relatives and friends of the family will begin at 10 a.m.at the church and will be followed by the 12:00 noon mass.

Interment will be scheduled at a later date at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, LA.

Messages of condolence and friendship can be shared online at www.honakerforestlawn.com.