John Roman Lucarini

John Roman Lucarini, a devoted family man, dedicated to US serviceman, and passionate sports enthusiast, passed away on November 11, 2023, in Ocala, Florida. Born on March 31, 1933, in Montour No. 9, Pennsylvania to Italian immigrant parents, John’s life was marked by service to his country, devotion to his extended family, and a love for the game of golf.

John, also called “Luke” by many who knew him, served his country with distinction for 37 years in the air National Guard. After a stint in the U.S. Air Force, he was assigned as a full-time airman to help start up the Pennsylvania ANG during the Cold War. His commitment to his fellow servicemen was evident in his work, providing life support training for military jet pilots. During his service, many pilots return to thank him for their life-saving training. John was deployed to Europe many times to assist Nato allies. He also trained hundreds of part-time guard members during his service career. John’s dedication and leadership were recognized with his promotion to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, and his induction into the Air National Guard Hall of Fame.

John’s passion for golf was well known among his friends and family, especially with the Ocala Palms community. An avid golfer, he could regularly be found playing 18 holes well into his late 80s and on several occasions John’s 18 hole score was lower than his age. His love of sports began in his youth. John was quarterback for the varsity football team and played for the varsity baseball team at Midway High School. In McDonald, PA., John was a popular and beloved manager of Little League baseball teams, known by all for his inclusion, good sportsmanship, and generosity. He was a lifelong fan and season-ticket holder of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

John’s faith was also a cornerstone of his life. A longtime member of the United Methodist Church of McDonald, PA., he spent his retirement years worshiping at the Ocala Palms community Church. John also served the McDonald area community on the Robinson Township Planning Commission.

John’s first wife, Jeanne Lucarini, preceded him in death in 1993. John’s survived by his second wife, Susan Lucarini of Ocala, and his four children, Donna Selan  and her husband, Paul of Oak Island, North Carolina, Daniel , “Luke” Lucarini and his wife Dot of Cornwall, UK, Gary “Luke” Lucarini and his wife, Renie, and J. Robert, “Luke” Lucarini and his wife Kitty, of Phoenix, Arizona. He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one great grandchild. John is also survived by his younger brother Albert Lucarini of Atlanta, Georgia and his younger sister, Virginia Williams of Phoenix, Arizona. He was also a beloved uncle, too many nieces, nephews , grand nieces and nephews and great grand, nieces and nephews.

John’s legacy of service, faith, and love for his family and country will be remembered by all who knew him. His life was a testament to the values he held dear, and he will be deeply missed.

A memorial gathering will take place Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 1-4PM at Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Services LLC. 220 E. Lincoln Ave. McDonald, PA. 15057. A Military Honors Service will take place Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:30AM at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA. Everyone is asked to please meet at the Cemetery.