Henry Lucas
After a month-long battle with Covid-19, 72 year old Henry Delacruz Lucas died on February 12, 2021 in Henderson, Nevada. He was born November 3, 1948 in Laoag City, Philippines to Isaac and Pascuala Lucas. He studied at Central Luzon State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and had aspirations of becoming a doctor but due to financial setbacks he had to sacrifice his dreams. He then immigrated to the United States in the 1970’s and was drafted to the army and later enlisted with the US Air Force as a fuel systems technician for 4 years. In doing so, he became a proud US citizen and was able to travel the world. As a young handsome man he was often chased by the ladies. But he could care less for he had eyes for only one woman, Catherine Aguinaldo. He adored her. They later married on October 17, 1973 in Laoag City, Philippines. In 1975, he was able to bring his wife Catherine overseas to the San Francisco Bay Area where they would reside, create a foundation, start a family and live the American dream.
Henry was a kind, loving, generous, unselfish, hard-working man who at one point had 4 jobs just to provide for his family. In 2013, he retired from the US Postal Service in San Francisco as a mail handler after 36 years. He’d sleep little and could nap anywhere. That was the secret to his energy. A jack of all trades, a family man; devoted husband and father who had a passion for deep sea fishing, gardening (orchids were his specialty) and cooking for his family and friends. Always working and not much time for himself, he would take the family on many road trips around the US and other vacation destinations just to have quality time with his family
A lover of scenic views he’d often be captivated and in awe of its beauty taking it all in. He loved cracking jokes, dropped an occasional dad joke here and there and also had a knack for telling the most inappropriate jokes at the right time. He enjoyed yelling at the TV when the 49ers, SF Giants or the Golden State Warriors wouldn’t play to his standards. Always stating, “They’re no good! They deserve to lose!”, even though he’d watched their games religiously. A Monday morning quarterback you could call him. Though he had faith, he wasn’t a religious man. Sundays were spent at the church of football. He loved the 49ers; he was gold blooded and a diehard fan. His passion for the team rubbed off on the family and soon they began summer road trips up to Rocklin, CA to the 49ers training camp to see the team in action and just to get a glimpse of Jerry Rice and Joe Montana. For 20 years he and his wife were season ticket holders to the infamous Candlestick Park where they would tailgate in the same spot every Sunday with the same group of friends from 8am in the morning until they were kicked out. He enjoyed drinking, laughing and telling funny stories to friends and family. That’s when he truly shined and beamed full of light. He didn’t like confrontation, was a humble and forgiving man who wanted everyone to be happy. He had a smile like no other. It was infectious and had the ability to light up a room.
Unbeknownst, he impacted so many with his excitement for life and demonstrated through his values a totality of a man who loved hard, and always put his family first, no questions asked. His undeniable love for his family rings true. He is survived by his adored beautiful wife, Catherine; two daughters, Valerie & Stephanie; 3 grandchildren,
Cameryn, Gweyn & Lucky; 2 flagellant grand pups, Frank & Eleanor and his sister Nancy.
And now the end is here
And so I face that final curtain
My friend I’ll make it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
i traveled each and every highway
and more, much more
I did it, I did it my way.
Henry’s services March 12,2021 – Henderson, NV
10:00am-11:00am Visitation – La Paloma Funeral Service (http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/49586)
11:30am-12:30pm Funeral Mass – St Thomas More (1.Go to – http://www.stmlv.org/ 2.Click Live Stream 3. Click Youtube link – Live 15 minutes prior to mass)
1:20pm – Honors and Burial – Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (no livestream)
Due to the pandemic space is limited so please contact the family if you haven’t done so already.
13 Comments. Leave new
What a wonderful obituary for a wonderful man. Uncle would be so proud of you, Steph. His picture you picked captures his true essence. It gave my heart a tug.
Hello Cathy and family. What a beautiful tribute to Henry. Jim and I would like to attend the service in person if possible.
Uncle Henry you will always be another Father figure in my life. I always looked forward to talking to you about sports and cars. That smile and voice you brought to our family was always positive and filled with love. I thank you so much for being a role model to me! I looked forward to having you here in Las Vegas because I finally had family I can watch games with and just hang out and talk to. I promise to look out for Auntie and the rest of the family! I LOVE YOU!
-Kujoe
We are deeply saddened on the untimely demise of a dear high school classmate. He will surely be missed. May He Rest In Peace and till we meet again.
What a beautiful tribute to our friend and neighbor Henry. Such a wonderful legacy he leaves behind. We love you Henry.
What a warm and loving tribute to a warm and loving man! That picture is SO Henry! It is hard to imagine that we won’t see him, at least for a while. But he will certainly live on, not only in the next world, but in this world, in the people his family and friends have become, because of his effect on us. A life well lived, just not long enough. He is so missed by many.
A life well lived. Such a unconditional love for his family. He will be missed, A LOT! Rest easy and nap all you want Uncle Henry. Sending our love and hugs to the whole family.
We will miss you Henry. You will always be in our heart. We had so much fun when we were in Utah and Arizona visiting all the national parks last year. Rest in peace now and may pertpetual light shine upon you.❤️
Praying for you with our silent tears, Henry. You will be greatly missed and be remembered as our friendly classmate in high school. ..
Until we meet again! Have a blissful ride to Heaven!
A wonderful tribute to my neighbor and friend. I only recently met Henry after moving into the neighborhood in July 2020. After a few small gatherings, I could see he was a great friend, and family man, well respected and loved by many. Rest for a spell Henry.
Loving thoughts and prayers for your family.
Thank you for sharing a beautiful story of a wonderful man God put in all of lives. He truly loved his wife, daughters, granddaughters & grandson 💝. We feel so much gratitude to have known this man, loving, giving, funny, hard working & a great cook (plus no one could make margaritas like him). We know he will be with all of us in our hearts & not forgotten. We feel such a loss….May Henry rest in peace ✝️
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. I only recently met Henry when i moved into the neighborhood July 2020. After a few small gatherings, I could see what a great friend and family man he was, so loved and well respected to those who knew him. Our friendship was short, but sweet. Rest in peace Henry. Prayers of comfort and blessings for family and friends.
Catherine and family,
My heart goes out to you for the great loss you are suffering. Thank you for sharing Henry’s story with me. I count it a privilege to have known him. I always enjoyed my visits with him. Whenever he came in he brought the sunshine with him. It was always a pleasure to hear about the grandkids and what he had on the menu for them, updates on his “girls,” that he was so proud of and of course we talked Orchids. His love for all of you was the sunshine of his life.