John Lukens

John Lukens

Orangeburg, NY - John Lukens died peacefully at home in Orangeburg, NY, he was 91.

A life-long activist, College Professor and Psychologist, Lukens was born in Pennsylvania, and attended Philadelphia's West Catholic High School, then St. Joseph's University before serving in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant with the 7th Fleet. While in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Burge, and they married in 1954.

While completing his doctoral studies at Rutgers University, he moved his family to Rockland County, where he was involved in many causes including civil rights and the anti-poverty movement. He served on the board of ROAC and was involved with the Catholic Inter-Racial Council, and a member of the South Orangetown School District Board.

A clinical psychologist for many years at the NY Foundling Hospital, he worked with dependent and neglected children and was involved in the developing of their first residence for children with developmental disabilities in 1972.

Splitting his time, Lukens also taught at the College of New Rochelle and was much beloved by his students until his retirement in 1998.

Lukens' most committed volunteer service was to Camp Venture, a Rockland agency serving adults and children with developmental disabilities, of which his wife Kathleen was the principal founder. From evaluating the arriving children at the agency's summer camp on its first day of operation in 1969, to service as a volunteer clinical consultant nearly up until his death, the work of the organization was a life-long passion inspired by his son David.

Best remembered by his family as an intrepid father, grandfather and great grandfather, John Lukens' bond with son David, born with autism, inspired the personal and career lives of his children and their commitment to the cause of advancing equality and most especially the rights and opportunities of people with emotional, developmental and intellectual disabilities.

John is survived by his sons, Reverend Mark Lukens (Kate), Daniel (Mary), Jonathan (Linda), David, and his devoted daughter, Margaret Byrne (Peter), along with 9 grandchildren, 3 greatgrandchildren and sister Kathryn. He is predeceased by his brothers Bob and Jim, and his wife Kathleen.

An avid naturalist, boater, fisherman, birder, and traveler, a memorial of his life will be celebrated with family and friends in the Summer of 2021. Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.