Walter F. "Luke" Lucantonio

Walter F. Lucantonio, 81, died peacefully at home on July 24, 2022, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. “Luke”- to friends and; family - “Wally” - to his beloved wife Elizabeth - “Sherrie” (or to Luke - “Lizzie”), and "Poppy" to his grandkids. He was born 11/16/1940 in Lynn, Massachusetts, the youngest child of Italian immigrants, Geremia Lucantonio and Annunziata “Nancy” Marinangeli. They were childhood sweethearts who married and sought a better life for their family in America, following the political uncertainties of World War I. Although Luke’s siblings had more traditional Italian names (Romano, Maria, and Clara), “Walter” was named as a nod to the American dream. As Luke explained, the family lived near a “washeteria” (i.e. laundromat) when he was born. His mother was fascinated with the word because there is no “W” in the Italian alphabet, and “Walter” came to be. Growing up in Lynn, Luke spent many happy hours playing on the beach and swimming in the ocean. Years later, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of returning to the water when he and Sherrie bought a home on the Chesapeake Bay. He said that it quieted his mind, and gave him peace and joy. Although it grieved him to leave the beach, when Parkinson’s was diagnosed, they knew they needed to return to San Antonio, Texas, and find a single-story home closer to family.

Luke graduated from Lynn English High School in 1958 and immediately joined the U.S. Air Force at age 17. Having never been away from home, he was sent to Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX to begin his military career. Luke retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in January 1985, following 26 years of proud, distinguished service as a Special Weapons Technician at various duty stations both stateside and abroad. He continued as a manager with the USAF through civil service in the “Special Weapons” division at Kelly AFB. Since his retirement, former airmen have contacted Luke to thank him for his impact on their lives. Others privileged to know him as a friend or family would agree.

Luke was a man of few words, deep feelings and supreme integrity, and a wickedly quick wit. His word was his bond; patience and tolerance were his virtues. On one hand, he was decisive, disciplined, action-oriented, and fiercely loyal. On the other, the simplest pleasures such as listening to opera, witnessing a beautiful ocean sunset, cooking for friends and family, enjoying a nice Cabernet or just being with his loved ones would bring a tear to his eye and a catch in his voice. He is an enigma in that he is not here; but, he is everywhere.

Luke is survived by his bride of 32 years – Elizabeth; his daughters: Janine (Jim) Bailey; Diane Lucantonio; and Catherine (Bill) Garcia; step-sons: Timothy (Dori) Roan; Casey (Christine) Roan. Grandchildren: Megan (Kevin) Irby; Sarah and Stephen Garcia; Shawn Ponce; Cory (Ashley) Lucantonio-Garcia; Lorenzo Lucantonio-Morales; Lauren (Jonathan) Zarrella; Emily (Darla) Roholla; Annie Roan; Vassar Roan; Sydney, Avery, and Harrison Roan; Atticus (Bethany) Winfield; Zeke Winfield. His great-grandkids Carmello, Artorius, Dalan'Von, and Cetalia; Theodora Zarrella; and Cassius Winfield. His nieces and nephews: John King; Linda (Russell) Baugher; Lisa (Mike) McEvoy; Scott (Katie) King; Mark Lucantonio; Michael Lucantonio and numerous grandnieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a number of beloved cousins and dear friends in Italy.

He was preceded in death by his parents Geremia and Annunziata Lucantonio; his brother Romano; his sisters: Mary King and Clara Moore; nephews Stephen King and Martin Lucantonio; and niece Alyson McEvoy

Raise a toast in loving memory of a life well-lived and a man well-loved.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research; San Antonio Pets Alive (SAPA), or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Lucantonio family.