John Francis Lucey, born October 20, 1940, died peacefully at his home in Ruckersville, Va. on March 10, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Eleanor Lucey and sister Mary Dillon. He is survived by Olimpia Lucey, his wife of forty-seven years; brother William Lucey, Jr. and sister Ann Corbeil; son Darrell Guernsey (Susie) of Columbus, Ga.; son Dennis Lucey (Katherine) of Knoxville, Tenn.; daughter Lauren Lucey (Eric Walden) of North Garden, Va.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

John was born in Newport, R.I., grew up in nearby Middletown, and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. in 1962. He entered the United States Navy, with service during the Vietnam War. He retired in 1982 as a Lieutenant Commander, and his work after the Navy included facilities management at Keuka College in New York. He was a parishioner of Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Church in Quinque, and also supported Our Lady of the Blue Ridge Catholic Church in Madison. For a time he was a tutor at William Monroe High School and volunteer tax preparer.

John was a diligent son, caring brother, loving husband, patient father, proud grandfather. In his life he hiked tall mountains, biked many roads, and traveled to distant corners of the world. He caught fish worth bragging about. He knew when food was bad and thoroughly enjoyed it when it was good. He recounted old Westerns and relished binge-worthy television. He stayed abreast of current events and noticed the changes of the natural world. He supported and defended those he loved. He made others laugh often. He pondered and appreciated the importance of every person he met as part of humanity’s grand symphony. He asked many questions, but always had answers.

Funeral Mass: Monday, March 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blue Ridge Catholic Church, 692 Lonnie Burke Rd., Madison, VA,

Burial ceremony: Monday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Culpeper National Cemetery, 305 US Avenue, Culpeper, VA.

Flowers may be sent to Hill and Wood Funeral Home, 15075 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville, VA, 22968.

Alternatively, donations may be made in John’s honor to Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Road NE, Washington DC, 20017.