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Archbishop Riordan High School San Francisco State University

Joseph Lucey Obituary

Joseph James Lucey

September 29, 1944 - June 22, 2014

Joseph James Lucey, Joe or Joey to family and friends, passed away peacefully at his home in Guerneville California, on June 22, 2014. Born in San Francisco, California on September 29, 1944, son of Jerome Patrick Lucey and Lala Lucey, he graduated in 1962 from Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco and later graduated from San Francisco State University specializing in psychology. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Soledad Guerrero Lucey, with whom he shared so much joy. Predeceased by his infant son Patrick and survived by his daughter, best friend and buddy, Shannon (Hugh), children from his marriage to Linda, with whom he remained a close friend. Survived by his brother Jerome (Carol), sisters Barbara (Steve) and Liz (Diego), his niece and nephews; Ryan (Amanda), Laura (Cope), and Jeronimo (Jacqueline), and so many more members of an extended family, all so proud to be part of his family. Also survived by a circle of friends around the world who will carry him always in their hearts. The family would like to thank especially, Joe's oncologist, Dr. Eric W. Dean, and his staff for the tender loving care they provided. Share your memories and pictures of Joe at a potluck celebration of his life on July 26, from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Sportsman's Club located at 25150 Steelhead Boulevard, Duncans Mills, CA. 95430.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 8 to Jul. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Lucey

15 Entries

Ken Miles

July 2, 2021

Hey Joe, I often think back about our crazy times at Riordan High and Russian River as teens. Then our life paths parted for quite awhile until we met again later in life at several Riordan reunions. You were still the same, the nice and fun-filled joking guy back at Riordan and Russian River. You're missed by all. Your bud, Ken

norma & david kaufman

July 16, 2014

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. we felt we knew you through your brother, Jerry and Carol.

July 13, 2014

I met Joe at the River courts. We share the same birthday...both grew up in the City at the same time..."a couple of young punks" as Joe put it...couldn't disagree. Dennis Delee

Carol Lucey

July 9, 2014

Joey, my brother-in-law FORGET the "in-law part" because you were much more like a loving brother to me always. I'll miss so many things about you ... Your wonderfully sweet smile with love and a touch of sort of naughtiness in your eyes. You could charm anyone and also make them feel better - no one ever left your presence with our feeling without better - because of you my Joey. Your caring spirit was like a beacon of light ALWAYS!. There are so many things I recall over the 56+ years since I first met you. It was a Sunday after a 49ers vs Lions game at Kezar.(The SF 49ers had won of course!)
I'd been "invited" by your brother Jerry aka Gipper, to stop by after the game. That was the first time I was at "41 Sears St" and met the whole family. I recall climbing the stairs and noticed a sign on the front door. It read "D.S. Looney House" and a quick thought came to my mind! The thought was, "Carol what are you getting yourself into?" Meaning the 'Looney' part, of course.
That was the day I met entire family, Jerry Sr., La La, you my Joey, Barbara, Liz, Joe Looney and "Bo Bo" the best and most human dog EVER.
I became part of that family quickly, even if it did take over a year to trick Jerry Jr. into asking me out on a date! You Joey were right in the thick of the entire time Jerry and I were dating. Although, long distance as I had lived in Texas briefly, then Chicago for a long year finally getting my transfer to San Francisco- SFO based at last.

December 24th 1964 was not only the night Gipper shock me by proposing but also the night I knew you were coming home from Europe. You'd written many letters to me during your trip. The one I'm referring to is ...when you asked me "NOT TO TELL ANYONE you were going to arrive home December 24th"! You expected to be at 41 Sears St. around 10:30-11PM. 41 Sears St. was full to the brim as it was every Christmas Eve .. with tons of family and loads friends. At pretty close to the time you said you'd ring the doorbell - "And shock everyone - with your return from your year+ long journey away from home"! Bingo, the doorbell rang and I said, "Hey everyone let's all go to the front door, maybe it's Santa Claus!". When the door was opened there you were - all decked out in a pair of green Lederhosen, complete a German hat with the brush and even a feather to go with your outfit! Everyone began to cry and laugh all at once - then Christmas Eve really got started.

We were all ready to begin celebrating again! It was truly a very special Christmas Eve night to remember! Father Dan was there from Sacramento and had blessed our engagement. Then you came home and the party continued till well past it's usual time!(Of course, there was no "usual time" when Christmas Eve ended at 41 Sears St.)!

The following day, CHRISTMAS DAY, we were all not feeling very well with 'hang overs' to boot! Remember I mentioned "Bo BO", the most human dog ever? He actually was grumpy and threw up! Just like most of we humans felt like doing!

Fast forward now to the time "Gipper" and I broke up FOR GOOD! Actually it was before we we're officially engaged, so it must have been 1962. Trish and I were living in San Mateo, and you called and said, "Hey, how about I come over for dinner tomorrow night?" "Can you fix dinner and I'll come by?" I happen to be FREE and you came for a FREE meal! But real reason for coming was to talk me out of breaking up with the Gipper! We had dinner, just the two of us, Trish was on a trip. After dinner .. you talked me in to going back to Sears St. and we would really see if "Gipper" loved me! You then suggested you could drive my new 1962 A/H Sprite and I could drive the car you used to visit me! It was Jerry's Sr. green Ford Station Wagon and not in too good state of repair. With that sweet smile of yours you talked me in to trading cars with you! So I drove the Ford Station Wagon - with an automatic - I had no idea of how to drive because I'd only driven stick shifts! When I arrived at 41 Sears St. you were no where in sight. I waited 15-25 minutes and then you drove up! Telling me you'd had a little accident in my yellow Sprite and that if there were any repairs needed you'd pay for them!
WHICH YOU DID INDEED PAY FOR! As always a man of your word, my Joey. We sneaked into the house and of course Jerry Jr. wasn't even home yet! So, then it was decided - I'd hide in the bedroom closet of the room you two shared. I was to remain silent as a mouse, while you slept until Gipper came home! At that point you were going to ask him if he felt badly about our break up and he really loved me! Long story short - Gipper came home rather late and you pretended to be awaken by his coming in the room! You asked THE TWO QUESTIONS and thankfully Gipper answered "yes" to both! I then pop out of the closet and told him I loved him too! All was well and I drove my Sprite back to San Mateo - with a smile on my face - hearing strange new noises from the engine! Guess what? Your loving play worked and we were together from that night on! Long story but proves how sweet and caring you were about us being meant for each other wanted only our happiness.

Now, we will fast forward to Fri Apr 23,1965. A day or so before Gipper had told ONLY Joe Looney we were going to elope! Main reason being Gipper didn't have a car so we use Joe Looney's 1962 Buick Red/White Sky Lark to drive to Reno for the night - where we four spent over night at the El Cortez Hotel. Barbara and I in one room and you and Gipper in an adjoining room. By the way, the Skylark, was forever referred to as the "Honeymoon Car".
We drove the next day up to Virginia City and we were married in St. Mary's in the Mountains Catholic Church. By the way .... it's now become a Museum!
I want to mention after the ceremony, on the steps of the church, you my Joey, whispered in my ear, "If the Gipper doesn't treat you right, Carol, don't worry, I'll always take of you and with that you kissed the ear you'd whispered into.

As I said awhile ago my Joey, so many many wonderful memories which will help to ease the sadness I feel now.

I'll keep you my brother Joey, in my heart forever. I love you Joey and I always will. May you rest in peace you so deserve.

You had one great life and you did it as you wanted. For that I'm grateful and happy for you.
Your loving sister, Carol Xo

dFrtroitgame that I (stopped
. sweet and most of all your sense of humor will be missed

July 9, 2014

I first met Joey back in the 60's when I was in high school and he was going to City College. I remember thinking at the time (and still do), this was the coolest person I've ever met in my life. I knew then that I wanted to be as cool as Joey. I fell a good deal short of this goal, but at the ripe old age of 66, I am rather sure that a good deal of my persona that emerged over the subsequent years was a result of my trying to emulate the coolest person in the world.

I haven't seen seen Joey in 45 years, but such is the effect he had on people.

If there is any justice in heaven, the Man has a 63' Porsche Roadster waiting for you Joey. Rest in peace my friend.
John Geiger

July 9, 2014

Please accept our sympathy in this trial of time.
Beth and Spencer Rhodes
18038 Neeley Rd

Jim Green

July 9, 2014

Joey, one of my closest friends in life, me him as a freshman in High School, and saw him last several months back, when he thought his doc's had gotten it all. Joe was an eternal optimist, never a bad word about another, and friends many. He often said he led the life of Reilly, was devoted to Soledad and she to him. He was likely greeted by his infant son, Patrick, who tragically tied just following birth, who handed him a new tennis racket to play on a new Court. Joe will be remembered by all those whose lives he touched, and as we know, he is in a better place. Joe would say to all of us, take care of ourselves, reminding us that we know not the day, nor the hour.

Jim Gerst

July 9, 2014

As a fellow classmate at Riordan and a River Rat, I'm saddened to hear of your passing. We will always remember your smiles and laughter. Good journey Joe and peace to your family.

July 9, 2014

To the Joe Lucey family. Joe was good man & good classmate, R.I P. My prayers are offered for Joe & family. Sincerely, Ed Cooper ARHS '62

Ken Miles and wife Barbie) recently in India

Ken Miles

July 9, 2014

Dear Joe, I and the rest of the Class of 62 remember your adventurous fun and laugh. We will always miss you. Certainly good things are head for you. Farewell my friend and safe travels.

Joe Kermabon

July 9, 2014

Joe Lucey, you will be missed. You will also be so well remembered, as a good man.

Archbishop Riordan High School

July 9, 2014

The faculty, staff and students of Archbishop Riordan High School extend their deepest sympathy to the Lucey Family.
Our prayers are with you at this time.

July 9, 2014

I will miss seeing you when I am at the River. Always so friendly and long time friend. God bless you Joe.
Patti Sundberg

Frank, Franny Smyth

July 9, 2014

Experienced world traveler, placed smiles everywhere, never carried a wallet, the best tennis buddy ever with a rare combination of silliness and seriousness. God love ya Joey.

July 9, 2014

I was so saddened to read of Joey's passing. My heart & prayers are with all of you.
Jessica Geiger (Judi)

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