John F. C. Lucas

YORK- John F. C. “Pop” Lucas, 77, died on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at York Hospital. He was the husband of Carole L. (Hyams) Lucas. The couple planned to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary on December 3rd. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Faith U.C.C., 509 Pacific Ave., York with Pastor Ron Oelrich and Pastor Amy Dows officiating. A reception will follow at the conclusion of the service. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York is in charge of arrangements. Born on March 20, 1937 in Long Beach, N.Y., he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Burrows) Lucas. John was a graduate of Long Beach High School in Long Beach, N.Y., Long Island A & T College and received his Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration from California State Polytechnic University. After college in 1960, John and his wife moved to York and he began working at BorgWarner, Inc., now Johnson Controls, for 17 years. He then started and co owned Cool Keepers, CJ Truck Equipment and CJ Associates. In 1983, he and his partner started A/C Industries, a bus air conditioning manufacturing company. The company became very successful and he was an icon in the transportation industry. In 1991, they sold A/C Industries to United Technologies Carriers Corp and Mr. Lucas retired. Mr. Lucas proudly served our country for six years in the Army National Guard. John was very involved at Faith U.C.C. and had been a member since 1965. He was a past consistory member, member of the Young Faith Sunday School Class, a former Sunday School Teacher, member of the chancel choir and men’s chorus, and also coached the basketball team. Mr. Lucas was very involved with the York Boy’s Club, serving on the Board of Directors and the Labor Day Stay at Home Program at Kiwanis Lake. John coached basketball and baseball for many years. One of his proudest moments was coaching the Lincolnway baseball team to the county championship. Mr. Lucas’ memberships included the Elk’s Lodge BPOE #213 in York for 33 years, the Point Lookout Fishing Club, the Society of Automotive Engineers and many other industry organizations. John enjoyed reading, watching college basketball, golfing, spending time fishing at the beach in Long Island and traveling with his wife. His love for people showed in his daily life. He had respect and love for everyone he came in contact with and they felt the same about him. He had a great sense of humor and his presence lightened up the room. His greatest joys in life were his six grandsons, his great granddaughter and especially his beautiful wife of 54 years. Along with his wife, Carole, John is survived by one daughter, Donna L. Lucas of York; two sons, John R. Lucas and Thomas J. Lucas, both of York; six grandchildren, Erik T., John M., Ryan T., Kyle B., Brady C. and Shaun J. Lucas; one great granddaughter, Alexis Rose Lucas; two nieces, Ina E. Womble (Edson) of New Jersey and Cara J. LeClair (Kerry) of New York; and two nephews, Salvatore Triano (Liz) and Andrew Triano (Wendy), both of New York. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ina Lucas and Jane Triano. One of John’s passions was his involvement in the Brady C. Lucas golf outing- a yearly event that benefits pediatric cancer through The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brady C. Lucas Golf Outing, 202 Plaza Dr., Manchester, Pa 17345. For more information please visit bradyclucasgolfouting.org.