Nick Lucero

Nick Lucero, loving husband, amazing dad, and grandpa-extraordinaire, passed away far too soon on February 11, 2025. Born on August 9, 1947, in Nessa, Oregon, to Stanley Lucero and Nellie (Chavez) Lucero, Dad spent his childhood in Idaho, where he attended various schools. He proudly served in Qui Nhon, Vietnam, from 1968-1969 with the 84th Engineer Battalion as a truck driver.

Dad’s professional journey began at Thrifty Foods Candy, where he met the love of his life, Pamela Capson Lucero. They were just days away from celebrating their 49th anniversary when Dad passed. He later worked at Smith’s grocery store as the non-foods manager for 10 years, before pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams. On March 13, 1987, Dad opened Lucero’s Tire—a business that quickly became a cornerstone of our family’s life. Some of our best memories were made at the shop, where Dad was always brimming with creative ideas. His most famous (and probably the most "Dad" thing ever) was Lucero’s Pretty Worms—a brilliant business venture combining his love for fishing with his tire business. It even earned him a spot on Fox 13 News for their Uniquely Utah segment! Linked here: https://www.fox13now.com/2014/08/24/uniquely-utah-pretty-worms fbclid=IwY2xjawIcmF1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYJ242oxvpTOe0E7_ENeN_N2iMb1V2wmUe2sRHr1SnK4ozgpRnrXcTv7yw_aem_WO7GNzMjlUsHMZIB-3p1qQ

Lucero’s Tire wasn’t just a business; it was a rite of passage for most of us kids and grandkids. Incredibly, only two of us were fired—names will be kept secret to protect the dignity of the guilty. And who could forget Dad’s legendary Christmas parties? What started as a gathering at the shop grew into epic celebrations at home, creating endless stories we’ll continue to share for years. In recent years, the parties shifted to smaller, more intimate gatherings with Dad's famous omelets and fried potatoes—they'll be missed almost as much as he is. Almost.

Dad was an undiscovered inventor with a knack for creating unique solutions to everyday problems. Whether it was turning a remote-control boat into a bait-launching device or adapting a tent into his personal fishing shelter, Dad was always ahead of the curve—even if we had to gently inform him that his brilliant ideas already existed in Walmart. He built a two-seater bike for the grandkids, rigged up a kayak paddle into a baseball bat, and added an extra bench and seatbelts to a golf cart for those wanting a "backwards" view. And we almost forgot, the paddle boat turned motorized fishing boat with solar panels. We’ll continue finding his quirky creations for years to come.

Dad was happiest when surrounded by friends and family; whether BBQing, fishing, camping, or making spontaneous trips to Wendover. He was his grandkids’ biggest fans (and visa-versa), and he never missed a chance to cheer them on. Dad's legacy goes far beyond being a war veteran and business owner. He was fearless, generous, and proud, with a heart too big for his own good. He collected people along the way—if you crossed paths with him, you were family. He was the one you could call at any hour, and he would always show up, no questions asked. We’re not sure how we’ll continue without him, but we will do our best to make him proud and carry on his legacy of love and generosity.

Nick is survived by his wife Pam, Children: Caroline (Anthony) Johnson, Bobby (JoAnna) Lucero, Alicia (Tim) Green, and Nico (Lanette) Lucero, thirteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, Brothers: Stan Lucero, Vic (Doris), Ben Lucero, Sisters: Anne (Jerry) Millar and MaryJo Lucero, Sisters-in-law: Pauline Lucero and Debbie Lucero, his two best friends: Troy Cowburn and Robert Dennis, many nephews, nieces, and countless others who became part of his extended family.

Nick was welcomed home by his parents: Stanley and Nellie Lucero, and brothers Robert and Chris Lucero.

A viewing will be held at Valley View Mortuary; 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City UT 84120, on February 18th from 4:00-6:00 pm, with an Honor Guard Ceremony at 5:45 pm. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, to allow for more family and friends to join.

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