Ed met with his heavenly family peacefully on All Saints Day surrounded by the love of his life Janet, his children and grandchildren.
The family knew Ed as a loving husband, devoted Dad, the best Grandpa, brother and uncle. Others knew him as a loyal friend, co-worker, leader, Postmaster, referee and coach. He was known for offering himself to all, selflessly. Those whose lives were touched by such a devout man were gifted. Those who called him friend, graced.
Family was his greatest joy. He gave his love, time, respect and his subtle words of wisdom in quiet measured doses. Although “quiet” was not always a word to describe Ed. With no doubt he was the loudest fan in the stands at each of his grand children’s ball games, recitals and special events. He challenged his children as a great example and was always a phone call away.
Ed was born in Santa Rosa, N.M. He graduated from Turlock High School in 1954. He served his country during the Korean conflict as a staff sergeant; he was an Air Force Communications Specialist. The Air Force sent him to Tokyo for training as a referee and that’s where his love for the games began. After being discharged from active duty in 1963 he further served his country with the US Postal Service. He retired as Postmaster in 1999 after 38 years of dedicated service.
He served his community with a passion as only he would do. Ed refereed for a span of 58 years. He was an official with the NCOA and was awarded Official of the Year in 2011. He refereed football, basketball and volleyball and umpired baseball. He served as a Little League coach in Turlock and volunteered his time as an Athletic Coach at Sacred Heart School in Turlock.
He is preceded in in death by his mother Dolores, Father Nick and step-father Teo. He is survived by his loving wife Janet, sons Rickey Lucero of Hartford, CT, Jeff (Sandy) Lucero of Turlock, Scott (Carol) Lucero of Turlock, Daughter Marla (David) Giddings of Escalon, Step son Leroy (Kim) Walker of Turlock and step daughter Kristi (Richard) Curiel of Turlock. Grandchildren Lexi Lucero, Logan Lucero, Anthony Lucero, Justin Granados, Nikolas Lucero, Zach Giddings, Connor Giddings, Breanne Walker, Terra Curiel, Garrett Curiel. He is survived by his brothers Nick (Jo) Lucero and Rick Lucero, sisters Juanita Gonzales and Carmen (John) Clements, also many nieces and nephews.
There will be a Viewing and Rosary at Turlock Memorial Park located at 425 North Soderquist Road in Turlock on Wednesday, November 7th, 2012. Family viewing from 12:00 to 4:00pm, Public Viewing is from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and the Rosary is at 7:00pm. There will be a Mass Service and burial on Thursday, November 8th, 2012 at 11:00am also at Turlock Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in the name of Edward Lucero to Turlock American Little League, P.O. Box 3055 Turlock CA. 95380.
