Thomas Aquinas Lucid

ALBUQUERQUE - Thomas Aquinas Lucid was born in Linz, Austria on July 27, 1947 and died 10 days before his 77 birthday on July 16, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He grew up in Munich, Germany with his parents and 5 siblings. At 17, he joined the army and proudly served 4 years in the 101st Airborne Unit , known as "the Screaming Eagles" and was stationed to Taiwan. After his discharge he returned to Munich and earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Maryland's Munich campus.

Tom then embarked on a life of exploration and adventure, traveling overland to Australia where he worked for a year. His passion to explore the world and experience life in other cultures took him all over the world as well as to Bali, Indonesia where he met his future wife of 28 years, Michele Lipmann. They spent several years traveling through Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa as well as living in Australia for another year. They eventually returned permanently to the US living in El Paso where Tom balanced the joys and challenges of raising two young children with his career as a teacher at Andress High School and completing his Masters Degree in Political Science.

In 1990 Tom moved his family to Tijeras, NM where he continued his service as a dedicated member of the Army Reserves and Colorado National Guard. He returned to active duty for 2 years at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as a Jump Master after 911. He served his country for a total of 25 years. Tom also touched countless lives during his career as a high school teacher working at Manzano High School, bringing subjects to life with his vibrant storytelling and genuine interest in his student's lives. He will be remembered as a life-long learner and passionate educator always eager to engage in conversations about any topic with anyone who crossed his path.

He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Lucid and his son Daniel Lucid; his grandson Lincoln Lerash; his former wife Michele Lipmann; his brother Barney and his sisters Maggie, Carol and Jackie; his daughter in-law Melissa; his son-in-law Kevin and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom lived a life full of adventure, dedication and deep love for his children and family. He cherished his role as a father and took immense pride in their accomplishments. His role of Grumpa to his grandson, Lincoln, brought him endless joy. He was a man of remarkable intellect, boundless curiosity and unassuming humility. He is deeply missed by all who had the honor to know him.