Gary Lee Lucas passed away in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, July 25th, 2023, hand in hand with his loving wife. Gary departed from this life at the age of 56.
Gary was the beloved husband of Ellen Lucas (nee Foster) for 28 years. Caring brother to Philip Jr. (Jane), Kenneth (Bonnie), Joseph (late Elizabeth), (late) Russell (Cindy), Cheryl Pannell (David), William (late Andrea), Wayne, Anita Howell (Richard), Deann Louie (Chris), Keith, Yvonne Foster (Michael), (late) Dean (Heidi), Stephen (Renita), Scott (Robin), (late) Sharon, and Sheri Paton (Mark). Gary also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Gary was born on July 19, 1967 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Philip and Sandra (nee Parks) Lucas. He graduated from Faith Tabernacle School in 1986 & later went on to receive an Associates Degree from Lyons Tech, where he studied Electronics & Engineering Technology. He worked for Comtrex for 19 years before he was offered a position as a teacher at Faith Tabernacle School where he taught for 15 years, also serving as the Principal of the High School for the last 13 of those years. This was a huge change for him, but as with everything, Gary handled it with meekness and grace.
If you knew Gary, you knew his real passion was music. From a young age, you could often find him sitting on the piano bench tickling those ivorys, strumming at his guitar, or even jazzing it up on his saxophone. He devoted many hours to teaching piano to numerous nieces, nephews & family friends, and thoroughly enjoyed organizing the Christmas and Graduation Programs each year. Not to mention the 20 years he played the organ for Faith Tabernacle Church, of which he was a faithful member.
Whether it was a walk with his wife and lovable pup, Bentley, a church function or family gathering, Gary was at his happiest when surrounded by family and friends. No matter what he was doing, Gary never failed to be an example of selflessness & humility. His steadfast faith served as an inspiration to all he came in contact with. Gary will be missed by so many, but his memory will live on in the hearts & minds of the many lives that he touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Gary's viewing on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 9 A.M.-12 P.M. at John F. Fluehr and Sons Funeral Home located at 3301 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia PA, 19149. Gary's service will be held immediately following his viewing, with the interment taking place at North Cedar Hill Cemetery.
