8 Bells: George B. Lucas, Jr.
George Brainard Lucas, Jr. died on November 4, 2023, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family and the comforting words of the song, “Bring Him Home.” A loving husband to Patty of 65 years, father to six, grandfather to fourteen, and great-grandfather to four (so far). A gifted wordsmith, poet, lyricist, master woodworker, sailor, skier, golfer, dancer, and piano player. His heart was open to all, and he had a unique ability to make deep, personal friendships with people of all ages.
George was born in Glen Ridge, NJ in 1934 to George and Catherine Lucas. He grew up in Caldwell with older sisters Virginia and Joan, summering in Bay Head sailing Sneakboxes and Lightnings. After graduating Montclair Academy, George attended Lehigh University earning a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1956. His Chi Psi brothers became lifelong friends and he rarely missed the annual Lehigh/ Lafayette game. With the mind of an engineer, George had a long and successful career in finance, beginning with his dad at Cooke and Lucas and ending with his son, Russ, at Lucas Capital Management. His career was the perfect fit as George could naturally use his ingenuity, curiosity, and his ability to connect great ideas with others.
His life did not truly begin until, on a summer evening, he met his angel, Patty White. Raised in Berkeley, CA, Patty had the good fortune to visit her aunt in Bay Head during the summer of ‘57. Eight months later they were married and their love story has continued for 65 years. George’s greatest joy was his family: six children, crammed in a station wagon with trips to ski in Vermont and summer down at the shore. A constant teacher, his kids, and grandkids grew up learning to sand and varnish, tie a proper bowline and bowtie, and carve their skis through smooth turns. He often introduced himself by his grandfather's name - “Dust” - because he would greet everyone covered in sawdust from his woodworking projects. Dust led his family’s ski school at Stratton Mountain, yodeling down the mountain with a few dozen descendants tracing his wake, as recently as last Christmas at the age of 88, graceful as ever. George’s stewardship encompassed so many parts of his life.
He served on the Board of the Bay Head Yacht Club and as Commodore during the 100th anniversary. He was also the Commodore of the Card Sound Sailing Club, member of the New York Yacht Club, Anglers Club, Card Sound Golf Club, and Manasquan River Golf Club. He was especially proud of his time on the board of the Herreshoff Maritime Museum. His love of boats was infectious, sailing and racing on his Barnegat Bay and he also loved cruising the waters of Maine, Buzzards Bay, Bermuda, the BVI’s and finally landing on Card Sound. Most nights you could find Grandy and Dust sitting on the deck watching the sunset over Quest, Harbinger, and Jigger.
Dust’s spirit lives on in Patty, the love of his life, his sister Joan Brandley, their children Pam Rew, Russ Lucas, Nancy Mignon, Betsy Vreeland, Margaret Sellig, and Joe Lucas, and son-in-laws, Dan, Joe, Garret, Ralf, and Dave and grands, Molly, Margaret and Owen, Grace and Matt, Patrick and Brooke, Jane and Mike, Luke Maddie and Harry, Annie, Julia and Peter, Meg, Elizabeth, Addie, George, and Fritz. As well as his great grands, Kailie, Zephyr, Brooks, and Capen. We love you, Dust! A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Sacred Heart Church in Bay Head at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Save Barnegat Bay. www.savebarnegatbay.orgCLICK HERE
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of George Lucas hosted by O'Brien Funeral Home.
8 Bells: George B. Lucas, Jr.
George Brainard Lucas, Jr. died on November 4, 2023, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family and the comforting words of the song, “Bring Him Home.” A loving husband to Patty of 65 years, father to six, grandfather to fourteen, and great-grandfather to four (so far). A gifted wordsmith, poet, lyricist, master woodworker, sailor, skier, golfer, dancer, and piano player. His heart was open to all, and he had a unique ability to make deep, personal friendships with people of all ages.
George was born in Glen Ridge, NJ in 1934 to George and Catherine Lucas. He grew up in Caldwell with older sisters Virginia and Joan, summering in Bay Head sailing Sneakboxes and Lightnings. After graduating Montclair Academy, George attended Lehigh University earning a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1956. His Chi Psi brothers became lifelong friends and he rarely missed the annual Lehigh/ Lafayette game. With the mind of an engineer, George had a long and successful career in finance, beginning with his dad at Cooke and Lucas and ending with his son, Russ, at Lucas Capital Management. His career was the perfect fit as George could naturally use his ingenuity, curiosity, and his ability to connect great ideas with others.
His life did not truly begin until, on a summer evening, he met his angel, Patty White. Raised in Berkeley, CA, Patty had the good fortune to visit her aunt in Bay Head during the summer of ‘57. Eight months later they were married and their love story has continued for 65 years. George’s greatest joy was his family: six children, crammed in a station wagon with trips to ski in Vermont and summer down at the shore. A constant teacher, his kids, and grandkids grew up learning to sand and varnish, tie a proper bowline and bowtie, and carve their skis through smooth turns. He often introduced himself by his grandfather's name - “Dust” - because he would greet everyone covered in sawdust from his woodworking projects. Dust led his family’s ski school at Stratton Mountain, yodeling down the mountain with a few dozen descendants tracing his wake, as recently as last Christmas at the age of 88, graceful as ever. George’s stewardship encompassed so many parts of his life.
He served on the Board of the Bay Head Yacht Club and as Commodore during the 100th anniversary. He was also the Commodore of the Card Sound Sailing Club, member of the New York Yacht Club, Anglers Club, Card Sound Golf Club, and Manasquan River Golf Club. He was especially proud of his time on the board of the Herreshoff Maritime Museum. His love of boats was infectious, sailing and racing on his Barnegat Bay and he also loved cruising the waters of Maine, Buzzards Bay, Bermuda, the BVI’s and finally landing on Card Sound. Most nights you could find Grandy and Dust sitting on the deck watching the sunset over Quest, Harbinger, and Jigger.
Dust’s spirit lives on in Patty, the love of his life, his sister Joan Brandley, their children Pam Rew, Russ Lucas, Nancy Mignon, Betsy Vreeland, Margaret Sellig, and Joe Lucas, and son-in-laws, Dan, Joe, Garret, Ralf, and Dave and grands, Molly, Margaret and Owen, Grace and Matt, Patrick and Brooke, Jane and Mike, Luke Maddie and Harry, Annie, Julia and Peter, Meg, Elizabeth, Addie, George, and Fritz. As well as his great grands, Kailie, Zephyr, Brooks, and Capen. We love you, Dust! A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Sacred Heart Church in Bay Head at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Save Barnegat Bay. www.savebarnegatbay.orgCLICK HERE
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of George Lucas hosted by O'Brien Funeral Home.
