Leo Francis Lucie

Leo Francis Lucie was the 2 ^nd baby born at St. Mary’s hospital in Long Beach, California in 1923. His family had moved from the east coast to the west and back with other states in-between. Leo’s youth was primarily spent in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area, where he developed a passion for track and field. He grew up during the depression, which helped create his McGuyver-like skills for home repairs by just “taking the back off of it” and putting together gadgets with household items already on hand.

Leo graduated from Seton Hall with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and also served in the U.S. Army. He had a 33.5 year career with the IRS and after retirement, began his “2 ^nd career” working in the athletic department for St. John Bosco High School.

During this time, Leo married Rachel ‘Kay’ (Cassano) and together they raised two children. The family took regular mini-trips around southern California, enjoyed visits with their extended family and friends and experienced a treasured trip to Italy.

Leo loved basketball and could always be found in the driveway “shooting hoops” with his children and later, his grandchildren. He liked to stay active – even if that meant having his kids run down Paramount Boulevard with him! He also loved watching in person and televised sports (when he wasn’t participating himself), especially baseball, basketball and football. Go Bosco Braves!

After the loss of his wife, Leo continued his lifelong commitment to the church with his daily Mass attendance, being a member of the Knights of Columbus, an usher and performing collection plate accounting, at St. Pancratius, St. Barnabas and St. Maria Goretti.

It was at a church function, that Leo asked Gisele (Smith) if she would like to share lunch at his table. This led to another happy, long-lasting marriage plus the addition of two stepsons. Leo and Gisele enjoyed casino trips, visits with friends/neighbors and loved their big trip to China. Leo brought the whole, blended family together for lovely holiday feasts throughout the years.

Leo’s strong faith, kindness, and great sense of humor made him beloved to his family (wife Gisele, daughter Andrea Lucie, son Martin Lucie (Melanie), son Daniel Smith (Jenifer), son Jimmy Smith (deceased), granddaughter Rachel Lucie, grandsons Andy (Stephanie) Smith, Matthew (Tonia) Smith, and five great-grandchildren), friends and others who met him.

Leo was always ready to listen, lend a hand or offer up a good-natured joke. He will always be in our hearts and he will be dearly missed.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401