THE THIRD GENERATION

 

Children of the 13 – The 31

 

[Please note the “coding system” we will use throughout this section: the first digit will represent the First Generation Lucke child’s number, the second digit will indicate their child’s birth order.  Thus 1-1 means the first child of Child #1.]

 

#1 Mary

1-1 Mary Dorothy Muller b. 28-Jan-1911, Brooklyn, NY, d. 22-Jan-1965, Brooklyn, NY.

1-2 Rita Martha Muller b. 4-Jul-1915, Brooklyn, NY, d. 4-Jun-2001, East Rockaway NY

#2 Frank

2-1 Clement Francis Lucke b. 23-May-1911, Brooklyn, NY, d. 1-Aug-1983.

2-2 Agnes Mary Lucke b. 10-Feb-1913, Brooklyn, NY, d. 11-Apr-1996.

2-3 Cecilia Anna Lucke b. 14-Mar-1915, Brooklyn, NY, d. 6-Jul 1916, Brooklyn NY.

2-4 Gertrude Elizabeth Lucke b. 25-Dec-1918, Brooklyn, NY, d. 28-Dec-2007.

#3 Leo

3-1 Mary Josephine (Mae) Lucke b. 16-Apr-1907, Brooklyn, NY, d. 02-Feb-1936.

3-2 Edward Casper Lucke b. 23-Nov-1908, Brooklyn, NY, d. 19-Oct-1988.

3-3 Leo Francis Lucke b. 09-Oct-1910, Brooklyn, NY, d. 13-Aug-1997, Brooklyn, NY

#4 Beatrice

4-1 Margaret Mary Lang b. ?, d. ?.

4-2 Twin #1 Lang b. 21-Jan-1914, d. 21-Jan-1914.

4-3 Twin #2 Lang b. 21-Jan-1914, d. 21-Jan-1914.

#5 Elsie

5-1 Virginia Lee Bond b. 2-Apr-1922, d. 22-Jan-2001.

5-2 Joseph Vincent Bond Jr b. 2-Mar-1924, d. 2-Sep-1998.

5-3 Francis Kenneth Bond b. 30-Nov-1927.

#6 Lucy – None

#7 Charles

7-1 Dorothy Lucke b. 11-Mar-1917, d. 9-Dec-2002.

#8 William

8-1 William H Lucke b. 14-Jan-1921, Brooklyn, NY, d. 12-May-1993.

8-2 Harry Lucke b. 19-Mar-1925, Brooklyn, NY, d. 10-Apr-1969, Queens, NY.

8-3 Patricia Lucke b. 2-Jul-1930, Brooklyn, NY, d. 2-Jul-1930, Brooklyn, NY.

8-4 Robert Boyce Lucke b. 13-Aug-1932, Brooklyn, NY, d. 29-Jul 2005, Brunswick, GA.

#9 Joseph – None

#10 Margaret

10-1 Edwin William Magee Jr b. 4-Feb-1926, d. 26-Nov-1995.

10-2 Robert Hurley Magee b. 26-Mar-1928, d. 30-Jan-2005.

10-3 Elizabeth Magee b. 22-Feb-1930, d. 4-May-2006.

10-4 James Venard Magee b. 29-Dec-1935, d. 6-Oct-2013, Port St Lucie FL.

#11 Anna

11-1 Robert Colin Campbell b. 14-Mar-1933, Brooklyn, NY

11-2 Terese Lloyd Campbell b. 9-Mar-1936, Brooklyn, NY, d. 21-Feb-1996, Sag Harbor, NY.

#12 Caspar Ambrose – None

#13 Jack (Caspar John)

13-1 Jacqueline Lucke b. 8-Feb-1930.

13-2 Robert Lucke b. 19-May-1933, Brooklyn, NY.

13-3 Gerard Lucke b. 29-Mar-1937, Brooklyn NY.

13-4 John Lucke b. 16-Jul-1943.

13-5 James T Lucke b. 22-Dec-1947, Brooklyn NY, d. 26-Nov-1966, Brooklyn NY.

 

      The Thirteen Lucke children had 31 children. In this section we will start with #1 Mary’s children and #2 Frank’s children. First we will give short biographies, then more informative memories.

The stories of both these families began similarly.  Shortly after their weddings at St Benedict’s church they moved to Park Place.  The Mullers lived at 1351 while Frank’s family was at 1353.  The 6 children were all baptized at St Benedict’s, and later went to the parish school at St Matthew’s.

 

1-1 Mary Dorothy Muller was born 28-Jan-1911, Brooklyn, NY, Baptized St Benedict’s, married to Daniel Crossan. in Little Flower RC Church, Brooklyn NY, died 22-Jan-1965, Brooklyn, NY; Mary Dot and Dan did not have any children.

1-2 Rita Martha Muller was born 4-Jul-1915, Brooklyn, NY, Baptized 11-Jul-1915, St Benedict’s, died 4-Jun-200, East Rockaway, NY.  Rita never married.

2-1 Clement Francis Lucke was born 23-May-1911, Brooklyn, NY, Baptized 28-May-1911, St Benedict’s, married Madeline Brewi 22-Oct-1938. Madeline died 10-Mar-1970; Clement died 1-Aug-1983. They have four children: Diane Mary, Peter Francis, Paul Clement and Cecilia Anne.

2-2 Agnes Mary Lucke was born 10-Feb-1913, Brooklyn, NY, Baptized 16-Feb-1913, St Benedict’s, married Edward Wilson 15-Nov-1941, in Little Flower Church.  Edward died 1-Mar-1967; Agnes died 10-Apr-1996, Newburgh, NY. They have three daughters: Mary Agnes, Ruth Ann and Kathleen.

2-3 Cecilia Anna Lucke was born 14-Mar-1915, Brooklyn, NY, Baptized 21-Mar-1915, St Benedict’s, died July 1916, Brooklyn NY.

2-4 Gertrude Elizabeth Lucke was born 25-Dec-1918, Brooklyn, NY, Baptized 29-Dec-1918, St Benedict’s, married Lawrence Joseph Keeley 7-Jun-1941, died 28-Dec-2007.  Lawrence died 7-Feb-1970.  They have three sons: Lawrence Francis, Kenneth Robert and Donald Edward.

 

THE CHILDREN OF #1 MARY CATHERINE & JOHN MULLER

 

1-1 Mary Dorothy Muller Crossan

When Mary Dot and Rita were children, their father (John Muller) built a huge dollhouse in their backyard where the girls played with life-size dolls.  Rita remembers that everybody thought that Mary Dot was very beautiful, while Rita was “plain.”  (I always saw Rita as vivacious and perky and fun to be with!)  One time, Mary and Rita went to see Eddie Duchin perform.  He winked at Rita who was very surprised.  Rita says now: “I guess I was cute looking after all, but I didn’t know it.  I was some dummy!”

My earliest memory of Mary Dot was at her wedding to Dan Crossan.  I remember her looking so elegant!  After the Mass at Little Flower Church on Avenue D, in Flatbush, the reception was held at the Muller’s home on East 43rd Street.  Lloyd and I were in awe of all the “big folks” having such a great time.  I think it was the first wedding we had ever attended.  Mary Dot and Dan moved to Boston, and I seldom saw her until years later.  She separated from Dan and returned to Long Island to live with Rita, in East Rockaway.  Mary Dot was losing her vision and Rita was taking care of her as best she could.  Shortly after, Mary Dot was taken to Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn where she died in 1965.

(Contributed by Bob Campbell)

I remember Mary Dot mostly from visits to Aunt Mary and Uncle John.  My mom and dad went to her wedding and I recall them talking about how lovely it was.  One thing that stands out very clearly in my mind is being at Aunt Mary and Uncle John’s house visiting with my mother and father; I must have been about 13 at the time.  Mary Dot and Dan had been to see the musical Kiss Me Kate on Broadway and they came back to the house afterward and Mary Dot was waltzing around the living room singing “Wunderbar”.  She seemed quite glamorous to me that night.

The next and last time I saw Mary Dot was at Uncle John’s funeral in Mineola in 1958.  Uncle Frank and Aunt Mamie were there as well as Dottie and Frank Gucker.  My dad, my brother Ed and I drove down.  Mary Dot came in looking very vivacious, and she hugged me and told everyone I had always been her favorite cousin. What I remember about Mary Dot is her being very cheerful and friendly

(Contributed by Liz Magee)

1-2 Rita Martha Muller

After graduation from Bishop McDonnell High School, Rita’s first job was at Metropolitan Life, as a “comparer.” Later, she worked for the LIRR in Brooklyn. She was an avid Brooklyn Dodger fan. One day the Dodgers’ pitcher, Whitlow Wyatt, came in to buy a ticket and asked her for a date!

The Mullers lived in Flatbush near us, so we saw them often. Rita was Lloyd’s Godmother and always made a big fuss over her.  I remember a picture of Rita, Betty Magee and Lloyd in our backyard onEast 32nd Street.  Lloyd was wearing her ballet costume and they looked so happy!  Rita loved going to Broadway shows. She gave both Lloyd and me tickets to our very first shows. Mine was to Charlie’s Aunt with Ray Bolger singing “Once in Love with Amy”.

Rita had many friends and went on exciting vacations. She went to Bear Mountain many times with a group of girl friends.  They had fun canoeing and swimming – and plenty of men friends as well!  Rita loved to travel.  She went to Europe several times, to the British Isles and to Italy.  In her later years, she went to Elder Hostels and took interesting courses.  One was Gourmet Cooking, which became a new hobby for Rita.  She also loved visiting Botanical Gardens.

The Mullers bought their first home, in Mineola, in the 50’s. Rita’s Father took up gardening, which he taught to Rita.  After his death, she became an avid gardener, and in turn, she taught me.  After Aunt Mary’s death in 1961, Rita sold the Mineola home and moved to East Rockaway.  At about 60 years of age, she bought a yellow Volkswagen Beetle and took her first driving lessons. Although she never became a great driver, this move gave her a great deal of independence to get around.  Although she a “little lady” and was never athletic, she loved to bowl.  Her 10-pound ball went right to the headpin but never got all the pins.  Her nickname was “Miss Nine Pins.”

After working for Sperry’s for several years, Rita went to work at Hewlett Library.  Always an avid reader, this job allowed her access to many books and information about literature.  One of her favorite subjects was Elizabethan England.  At her 10^th Anniversary Party at the Library, she disguised herself as a Policeman and sang “The Passing Policeman.”  Nobody guessed who it was!

Rita always did what she could to help those less fortunate.  She volunteered at the Foundling Home for many years, helping feed children with Cerebral Palsy.  For years she has sponsored Foster Children with Catholic Near East Association.  Rita has a special fondness for animals.  She had several parakeets; she had a “mutual admiration society” with Pepper, who was my Mother’s pet; now she has a dear friend, Mikey her cat.   Another of Rita’s hobbies was photography.  She took pictures wherever she went.

She was also the “caretaker” of the Lucke Family Album, which she always brought along to the Family Picnics.

Shortly after my Mom’s death in 1981, Rita retired and moved into my home, where she lived until her death in 2001.  One of Rita’s happiest recent memories was her 80th birthday party at East Point Inn in East Rockaway. About a dozen of her closest friends (most of whom didn’t know each other) joined Lloyd and me for a wonderful celebration.  It was great to hear the stories each one told about their fun days with Rita!  Unfortunately, Rita developed Parkinson’s Disease and severe arthritis and was permanently bed-ridden in her last years.  On the very positive side, she had wonderful Home Healthcare Aides, Melissa and Jean, who truly loved her and took care of her every need.

(Contributed by Bob Campbell)

We Magee kids more or less took Rita for granted because she was so often with us.  I recall her working at the Long Island RR.  That was how she became interested in travelling, which she did often.  I remember thinking that it was a rather exciting job from the way she spoke.  When I was in high school she took me to see the play Auntie Mame which is now one of my favorite movies.  Rita and I went shopping for my wedding dress in New York and I recall her being at my shower.   Around 1962, Rita came to visit John and me in Fairfield for a weekend.  Tom (my son) and Patty Anne (Bob and Anne’s daughter) had received First Communion on the same day and we had a lovely get together with all the Magee kids and their children and my Dad.

When my daughter, Anne, was in the fourth grade Rita invited her to spend a weekend with her in East Rockaway. Anne recalls that the train tracks ran along side the apartment.  Anne remembers Rita taking her to the World’s Fair and having a great time.  Rita came to visit John and me one summer when we had a cottage at Fairfield Beach. My daughter, Anne, was about 10 at the time and Rita brought her Anne of Green Gables.  Anne absolutely loved it (she was an avid reader even at that age) and eventually read all of the L M Montgomery series. Anne is now a writer of children’s stories (she’s had about ten books published); Rita got her started.

Rita attended many Elder Hostels.  While attending one at the University of Bridgeport, she visited Anne and Chuck in Fairfield.  Their daughter Sarah was a baby. Anne remembers the visit as being very pleasant.  Rita was at many of Bob and Anne’s children’s weddings. My brothers and their wives always enjoyed her company on her frequent visits to their homes.

(Contributed by Liz Magee)

 

THE CHILDREN OF #2 FRANK & MAMIE LUCKE

 

2-1 Clement Francis Lucke

My father could best be described as a quiet, gentle man.  He never contributed much to discussions, yet he was well liked by those who knew him.  “People watching” was a true enjoyment for him.  I remember that, at his grandson Michael’s high school graduation ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral, “Grandpa” was gone.  Where was he?  At the corner watching the many people walking past.

My father was a hard worker.  He was a milkman until his retirement; after that, he worked at a job in Manhattan until his death.  He loved the convenience of “The City,” refusing to move to North Carolina with us because he wouldn’t be able to walk to the stores and his church, and take public transportation.  My mother told us that he never missed Sunday Mass, even while playing semi-pro baseball in the South.  Although Catholic churches were few and far between, he always managed to attend Mass!

(Contributed by Diane Lucke Erhard)

My Father was a wonderful enigma.  He was the kindest, gentlest man I have ever known and yet he transmitted to me strength and courage which always made me feel safe and warm.  It was the secure feeling that, no matter what, he was there for me, and for all of us.  To this day, when I think of him, I get that same feeling of strength and gentleness and love.  I consider him one of the greatest blessings of my life.

(Contributed by Cecilia Lucke Guerand)

 

When I think about my grandfather, a smile always passes across my face.  There are two distinctive aspects that I remember fondly.  The first is that he loved to go to the racetrack, not to bet, but rather to enjoy the people and surroundings.  A few times my family met him there, and I remember seeing the pleasure on his face as he sat watching the people go by.  The other aspect I remember is that my grandfather often came to our family Sunday dinners.  He would take the bus from Marine Park, Brooklyn to Rockaway Beach, Queens.  Our dinners usually didn’t end till about 8 pm.  However, this did not stop Grandpa from taking the bus, even though my parents offered him the quick 15-minute car-ride home.  So the grandchildren would walk down the block with him to the bus stop and wait with him, all the while playing games or just talking.  He would then board the bus, and we would wait till the following Sunday to see him again.  Clement Lucke was a truly special man who touched my life dearly.  I was only in the seventh grade when he died, but he left a lasting impact on his young granddaughter!

(Contributed by Ann Erhard)

I remember the many family get-togethers in Brooklyn that Uncle Clement and Aunt Madeline graciously hosted. He always called his sister Agnes (my Mom) “Dolly”. When Grandpa and Grandma (Frank and Mamie) brought Agnes home, Clement took one look at her and thought that she was a doll.  So she was “Dolly” ever after.

(Contributed by Mary Agnes Wilson Dorney)

2-2 Agnes Mary Lucke Wilson

A    Agnes

G    gift

N    notable

E    Eddie’s sweetheart

S    special

M   mother

A    always there

R    rosary in hand

Y    years of fond memories

L    loving

U    understanding

C    caring

K    kind

E    ever in our hearts & thoughts

W   wise

I    interested

L    light-hearted

S    strong

O    offerer of sweets

N    never forgotten

      Our Mother was a beautiful, loving person who instilled in us a love of family and faith.  What a gift she was!  She and Dad enjoyed their life together in Barryville, NY running Wilson’s Service Station & Taxi.  We became a part of that life, helping in the gas station and even driving taxis.  It became a “family affair.”  Mom was an excellent cook and Dad an excellent hunter.  As a result, parties were always going on in our home with family and friends enjoying good food, animated conversation and warm friendship.

I often marveled at Mom’s strength and courage. Dad died when she was only 54.  Shortly after, she returned to work after a long layoff.  The same strength and courage was seen during her last years as she struggled with physical deterioration.  She just wouldn’t give up.  Mom’s mind was always sharp as a tack and her mind-set moved along with the times.  She was always full of questions.  In later years this kept her mind active and up-to-date.  Mom had a love of the Blessed Virgin Mary and said the rosary daily.  Despite what the rest of us were doing, when it was “time” her rosary beads came out.

Mom was always there when we needed her and had words of wisdom to pass on.  The day before she died, she spoke to my sisters and me about loving each other and not fighting.  Although we had frequently quarreled throughout the years, we have heeded her advice ever since.

Over the years, Mom’s trademark was always having hard candy around for others to delight in.  At her wake, we had a dish for all to enjoy.  I thank God every day for the gift of my Mother – her wisdom, her love and her friendship.  I miss her deeply yet I rejoice knowing that she is where she deserves to be – with her God in heaven.

(Contributed by Mary Agnes Wilson Dorney)

When Agnes Lucke vacationed in the country years ago, she was “picked up” by Eddie Wilson.  He ran a taxi service and gave mom and her friend a “free ride.” Grandma Lucke thought that Agnes was moving to the “wilderness” when she married Eddie and left Brooklyn.

My Mother was a loving, caring, beautiful lady who was always ready to listen and to help whenever needed.  From the birth of our children to my several hospital stays, she was always there.  When she lived with me in later years, she was a great “sounding board” when things went wrong or when I was having a bad day.  And she was great company after the girls moved out and my husband and son were engrossed in whatever sport was on TV!  Mom was a wonderful influence on my children (Theresa, Elizabeth and Michael) and they each had a special relationship with her.  We had a small dog, which Mom wasn’t crazy about.  Little by little, as she was dog-sitting, she and Tippy became very good friends.

Mother was a very good friend and I miss her terribly.  I remember her smile and dedication to the Blessed Mother, and thank God for allowing us to share her for so many years.

(Contributed by Ruth Ann Wilson Donovan)

Here’s the story of how Mom and Dad met.  Agnes went up to Barryville from Brooklyn with a friend.  They were taking a walk when Eddie Wilson came by in his taxi and offered them a ride.  The friend said “I know him and he’s okay.  We can go with him.”  She heard that Eddie was a Merchant Marine and had “been around” so Agnes said she married him “for his money.”

When we were young, Mom and Dad had many “venison parties” from the deer that Dad caught.  According to Dad, you had to cook the venison in real hot grease.  Well, of course, grease splattered all over the stove and Mom was the one who had to clean up the mess.

My best memories of Mom were when I was in my 20’s, single and working in NYC.  We took a vacation together each year and traveled all over: Maine, New Hampshire, Nova Scotia (her first plane ride – and we got stranded in the airport for hours).  One year we flew to Lancaster PA which took us 10 hours when it would have taken 4 or 5 hours if we drove.  She always said she wanted to go toItaly.  When I got married, she said “There goes my trip to Italy!”

I have great memories of the time Mom came to live with us.  She alternated between Ruth Ann’s house and ours.  That’s when I really got to know her as “a person” rather than as “Mom.”  We talked about everything and we enjoyed watching my daughters (Danielle and Christina) growing up.  We both loved to cook and she taught me all her old recipes. Every time I make coleslaw I think of Mom because it is her recipe. Mom had a great memory.  She never missed birthdays.  And we knew that she would have the answer when we couldn’t remember something.  Mom’s faith in God, which was instilled by her Mother and Father (Mamie and Frank) helped her enormously during her last years, when just getting out of her chair was a great effort.

(Contributed by Kathleen Wilson Scofield)

I remember how Grandma used to play with me when I was really little.  I remember saying the rosary with her; she’s the one who taught me all my prayers. When I was sad, she would always be there to make me feel better.  I miss her a lot and I will always love her.

(Contributed by Danielle Scofield -age 14)

My Grandma was a very loveable person.  She always made me laugh.  She couldn’t do much for herself so I used to help her.  I would cross her legs for her, help her with her exercises and comb her hair.  I brought her juice too.  Although she was very holy, we always had so much fun!  After Grandma died, I was heart broken.  I miss her hugs and kisses, her voice, getting up early to sleep in her bed with her.  I know that she is happy where she is now and that she knows that I love her very much and miss her.

(Contributed by Christina Scofield -age 11)

 

2-3 Cecilia Anna Lucke

 

Cecilia was born on March 14, 1915 and died July 6, 1916.

2-4 Gertrude Elizabeth Lucke Keeley

Gertrude Elizabeth Lucke was born on December 25, 1918 at 5AM at the home of her parents, Frank and Mary Cramer Lucke, in Brooklyn.  Throughout the years, Gertrude has always enjoyed her Christmas birthday and considered it a special blessing.  Gertrude was a delicate-looking baby and her parents were quite concerned and very careful with her.  They had lost 16-month old Cecilia before Gertrude was born to what was then called “suffocating bronchitis.” Cecilia died in her father’s arms. When Frank and Mamie finally put Gertrude down, she took right off and walked across the room.

After the family moved to East 48th Street in Flatbush, Gertrude and her siblings took a small shuttle trolley, that they called “The Dinky,” to St Matthew’s Parochial School.  The ride cost three cents.  The conductor was a very pleasant man known to the children as “Irish.” He never scolded them when they had peanut fights on the trolley!  At Church Avenue, the children transferred to a larger trolley to continue on to school.  Gertrude’s parents wanted her to have a home lunch rather than a packed lunch at school, so she had lunch every day at the home of her best friend, Catherine.  The Lucke family paid Catherine’s mother 50 cents a week for the lunches.  Gertrude received First Communion and Confirmation at St Matthew’s.  Her Confirmation name is Jeanne.

Gertrude attended Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School during the depression years.  Her mother felt very strongly that Gertrude should attend a Catholic high school, even though it was a hardship for the family.  Tuition was $5 a term and there were also bus and subway expenses. Gertrude recalls selling her bicycle to pay for tuition. While in high school, Gertrude and her group of girlfriends went to a party and met a group of boys, including Lawrence Joseph Keeley.  After graduation from high school, she went to work for the Telephone Company as a teletype operator for $12 a week.  Her job was near 5th Avenue and she often went to St Patrick’s Cathedral for Mass.

In 1941, Gertrude married Lawrence Keeley.  Her sister, Agnes, was her Maid-of-Honor and Larry’s brother, Jack, was Best Man.  The couple lived in Frank and Mamie’s home on East 48th Street in Flatbush until they learned they were going to be parents.  Then they moved to East 46th Street and Avenue D.  They attended St Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower) Parish.  In 1943, Gertrude’s first son, Lawrence Francis, was born.  Gertrude remembers being very proud to show her new baby to an insurance man who was paying a call.  The man’s comment was that her son would grow to be tall because he had big feet! During the war, Gertrude’s husband served in the Navy on an ammunition ship near the Aleutian Islands.  Gertrude and Larry’s second son, Kenneth Robert, was born in 1947.

In 1949, the Keeley family moved to the small town of Barryville, NY, in the tri-state area.  Larry worked as a mechanic in Eddie Wilson’s gas station.  Gertrude liked country life, but there were some adjustments for a city girl. One evening a herd of deer ran around the house and frightened Gertrude who was home alone with the children. Another time a herd of cows from a nearby farm got loose and began to graze all over the lawn!  There was an apple orchard on the property and Gertrude remembers making lots of applesauce.  In 1950, the family welcomed their youngest son, Donald Edward.

Gertrude and Larry bought a home in the neighboring town of Shohola, Pennsylvania in 1953.  It was close to the Delaware River, the Shohola Brook, and the Erie Railroad. The family were members ofSt Ann’s Church in Shohola. The years in Shohola were busy ones for Gertrude as her three sons grew and became involved in many school activities.  The family stayed very close to Agnes and Eddie, and their three girls.  In their later years, Frank and Mamie Lucke moved to Shohola to be close to their daughters.  After Mamie’s death in 1965, Frank was cared for in his daughters’ homes until his death in 1968.

1970 was a year of stress and change for Gertrude.  Her youngest son, Donald, had recently left home after his high school graduation and enlistment in the Marine Corps.  Her husband, Larry, died that February after a lengthy illness. Gertrude then went back to work at the Telephone Company in Middletown, NY, an hour’s drive from her home.  She began as an operator, but was later trained to be a customer service representative.  In the winter, when the road conditions became treacherous with ice and snow, Gertrude often stayed in Middletown with her niece, Ruth Ann Donovan (Agnes’ daughter) and her family.  Gertrude has very fond memories of her winter evenings at Ruth Ann’s home.  In 1982, Gertrude retired from the Telephone Company.

In 1984, Gertrude moved to a townhouse at 24 Lexington Drive in Clifton Park, NY, just outside Albany, near her son Larry, his wife Fran, and their family.  She had lived in Shohola for 31 years. Recently, Gertrude moved to a senior citizen’s apartment complex in Clifton Park.  She is enjoying her parish of St Mary’s and its activities.  Gertrude has 6 grandchildren and is looking forward to the birth of her first great-grandchild in November.  (The baby will be the child of Michael and Elizabeth Keeley, grandchild of Larry and Fran Keeley, great-grandchild of Gertrude, and great-great grandchild of #2 Frank.)  On Christmas Day 1998, Gertrude will be celebrating her 80th birthday!

(Contributed by Carole Keeley)

I remember the delicious icebox cake Aunt Gertrude used to make – chocolate cookies and whipped cream (and very low on calories!)  Another special treat was that she always enclosed some coins with our birthday cards. The Keeleys had TV before we did, so we went to their house on Sunday evenings to watch the shows.

(Contributed by Mary Agnes Wilson Dorney)

 

When Aunt Gertrude worked for the Telephone Company she traveled to Middletown from Shohola.  Since we lived nearby, she usually came to our house when it snowed.  Many times we had to push her car up the hill into the driveway.  Our children would dance and entertain her and enjoyed her company.

(Contributed by Ruth Ann Wilson Donovan)

 

THE CHILDREN OF #3 LEO & MARY KARL LUCKE

 

3-1 Mary Josephine (Mae) Lucke b. 16-Apr-1907, Brooklyn, NY, d. 02-Feb-1936.

3-2 Edward Casper Lucke b. 23-Nov-1908, Brooklyn, NY, d. 19-Oct-1988.

3-3 Leo Francis Lucke b. 09-Oct-1910, Brooklyn, NY, d. 13-Aug-1997, Brooklyn, NY

 

THE CHILDREN OF #4 BEATRICE & FRED LANG

 

4-1 Margaret Mary Lang b. ?, d. ?.

4-2 Twin #1 Lang b. 21-Jan-1914, d. 21-Jan-1914.

4-3 Twin #2 Lang b. 21-Jan-1914, d. 21-Jan-1914.

 

THE CHILDREN OF #5 ELSIE & JOE BOND

 

5-1 Virginia Lee (Ginnie) Bond Ferguson

Virginia was born in NYC on April 2, 1922 and moved to Pelham, NY, at the age of 5.  At age 6, while vacationing on Long Island, she went into a neighbor’s garage and found an opened paint can.  She then proceeded to paint the neighbor’s car.  She was in big trouble!

During the depression, she didn’t know her Dad had no job.  He went into the City every day looking for a job.  Her Mom had to get a job during December to get money for Christmas presents for the children.

After graduation, Virginia worked for AT&T in NYC.  She met Bob Hoerning at a New Year’s Eve party and married him in 1941.  They moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where Bob was stationed in the Army.  After World War II, they lived in Mount Vernon, NY, where Bobby Hoerning was born in 1944.  They moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1945 for a year.  Richie was born in New York in 1947.  Later that year, they moved to Levittown where Bruce was born in 1953. During the time that they lived in Levittown, they were elected Family of the Year for 1952.  [See below].  In 1950, Bob Sr was stricken with polio and was left completely paralyzed from the waist down.  In 1954, they moved to New Paltz, NY and then to Wappingers Falls, NY.  In 1963, they moved to Islip, Long Island, NY.Virginia was divorced from Bob in 1963.

Virginia worked for Macy’s in Bay Shore, NY as manager of the Men’s & Boys’ department. In 1965, her mother, Elsie, moved in with Virginia and her children in Islip, NY.  Her oldest son, Bobby died in an automobile accident after serving 4 years in the Air Force, one of which was a tour of duty in Vietnam.  Her son, Richie was ordained a Catholic priest in 1973.  Her son, Bruce graduated in 1971 and a few years later moved to California.

In 1974, Virginia married an old friend, Julian Ferguson, and they lived in Fairfield, Conn.  In 1979, they moved to Ormond Beach, Florida.  In 1984, Bob Hoerning died in California.  In 1986, Julian had a massive stroke; he died in 1989. Virginia returned to Long Island in 1990, where she lives with her dog, Samantha.

 

Family of the Year – Sequel

      Ginnie recently revealed a story about what happened during their vacation in Bermuda. They almost were “stripped” of their Family of the Year award!  It seems that, during dinner at their fashionable English hotel in Bermuda, Ginnie admired the imported demitasse spoons on their table.  Wanting to give Ginnie a special gift, Robert pocketed four of the spoons. Meanwhile, thinking that she would be giving Robert a gift, Ginnie bought 6 spoons at the hotel gift shop.  The next day, the police came to their room.  It was not hard to identify Robert since he was the only patron who was in a wheelchair!  The police charged them with theft and they were to appear the next day at court. Meanwhile, Ginnie went to the hairdresser, who advised her that she should wear a hat to court, since this was an accepted British custom. Fortunately the Judge allowed Robert to make restitution and the charges were dropped.

 

Virginia

      The earliest recollection Betty had of Ginnie was her Mother (#10 Margie) taking her to visit Virginia after the birth of her first child.  She was living in an apartment on Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon.  Bob and Anne remember the many Lucke Family picnics where Virginia was present and, in particular, the one at which her son, Richard, celebrated Mass.  Bob and Anne also remember visiting Ginnie and her husband Ferg at a fun-filled get-together at their home in Greenfield Hills, CT.

(Contributed by Betty Magee Connelly and Bob and Anne Magee)

 

Mothers’ Day: For a Special Grandmother

Mothers’ Day is a day to remember your mother.

Even though you are not my mother, you are a special part of my life.

You are the daughter of your mother and the granddaughter of your grandmother.

The love and specialness of Mothers’ Day comes from all the generations before us.

Being a part of the generations of mothers, I hope and I pray that I will be as special to Kelsey and her children, as you are to me.

(A poem written by Shawna Devoe)

My 17th Candle

When I first sat down and thought about my candle ceremony, the only candle I was a hundred percent positive of who I wanted was my 17th.  My last and most important candle of this evening is for a very special person who means a great deal to me.  Many call her by Ginnie, Mrs Ferguson, or Virginia, but I’m proud to call her Grandma, a title she well deserves.

When I was little, all of my grandparents passed away but Ginnie has taken their place in my life.  16 years of growing up is a pretty long time and through it all she has taught me a great deal like needlepoint and latchhook.  There aren’t many things a teenager looks forward to doing but I do look forward to my lunch dates with Ginnie.  She’s always there to listen to my problems and was even brave enough to take me on a trip to Florida.  I can always count on her words of encouragement and advice and after having a rough day, it’s nice to know you have someone to cheer you up.  I know sometimes I get so busy and forget to call or visit but she still loves me and I love her.  And no matter how much I hate to hear an adult’s perspective on life, it’s always acceptable coming from a wiser and older person like Ginnie!  I love her more then words could ever say.  I don t know what I would do without her.

Ginnie, I m so proud to call you my Grandma and I would be honored if you would come up and light my 17th candle.

(Contributed by Annie Ceccarini)

 

5-2 Joseph Vincent (Bud) Bond Jr

Joe was born on March 2, 1924.  He died September 2, 1993.

Joe married Peggy Gaiser, and they lived in West Babylon, NY.  They had three daughters, Patricia, Barbara and Susan.  Unfortunately the marriage ended in divorce in 1961.  Peggy moved toCalifornia with the three girls.  In 1969, Joe married Tina Malchuski and they lived in Bay Shore, NY.  All this time, Joe worked for the LI Water Company; later, when the company was bought by Suffolk County Water, Joe stayed on with them for the remainder of his working career.  He retired after 36 years.

Joe was an avid golfer; although he wasn’t “championship” caliber, he took the game very seriously.  Joe was very fond of sweets, especially milk and cookies and ice cream.  On the other hand, he was pretty “health conscious” and worked out regularly at a local spa.  He went on diets about two weeks prior to each scheduled doctor’s checkup.  Joe loved to travel and eventually bought a Holiday Rambler Motor Coach.  He and Tina made several trips to Florida and later, Joe traveled to California to visit his daughters.

Joe and Tina separated in 1993.  Joe took up semi-permanent residence in his daughter Susan’s yard, with his Motor Coach.  In March 1998, Joe took an “assisted living” residence in California, near his daughter Patricia and his brother Ken.  That July he returned to Long Island.  Shortly thereafter he was hospitalized at Good Samaritan Hospital and died September 3, 1998.

 

Stories about my dad are hard to come up with, since our time together was sporadic.  We didn’t grow together as a family, as my parents were at odds with each other and finally after a long and difficult time, divorced.  My dad, to me, was my safe-haven.

I remember a vacation trip with Dad and my sisters, Barbara and Susan.  We went to northern New York near the Thousand Islands. We were all quite young and impressionable. One of the first days up there we were at a small luncheonette and Dad was having one of his favorite sandwiches (a BLT) and POP!! Out came his false front tooth.  Well, were we ever surprised and shocked to see our toothless Father!  With his vivid vocabulary he had to struggle to stay in control with these three young girls sitting in front of him with their mouths hanging open.  Of course, curiosity got to us and we wanted to know if the Tooth Fairy was going to visit him that very night.  You know it was difficult for all of us to look at Dad with that big hole in the front of his mouth.  He had to be careful of what to eat the rest of the trip and that didn’t put him in a good humor, because if you knew Joe Bond, you’d know that he loved his FOOD.  Needless to say, the first thing he did when he got home was to call the dentist for a quick repair appointment.

I wish I had more stories to tell, but after that there really weren’t any more vacations and my sisters and I really didn’t see much of Dad until we were adults.  Nevertheless, I have lots of fond memories of my Dad.

(Contributed by Patricia Bond McInerny)

      Bud (Joe) attended Pelham High School graduating in 1942. He worked as a lifeguard at the Shore Club in Larchmont. This is where he met Peggy Gaiser and they were wed on January 12, 1944 while he was in the Army. During the war he was sent to France with the 11th Calvary. He was in the supply department and fortunately never saw the front lines. He was held over there because too many men in his division had been killed and there was no unit to return home with. He was there for two years. On his return home, he and Peggy lived with his parents for a while in Pelham. In 1947, Patty was born at New Rochelle Hospital. A. short while later they moved to a rental house on Shadow Lane in Levittown, where Bud worked for Levitt. That was followed by their first purchased home on Cypress Lane in Westbury. They added a second story to that house and Patty can remember a tiny black and white television built in to the staircase. In 1950, Barbara was born at Amityville Hospital. In December of that year they moved to 20 Abbott Street in West Babylon, where Susan was born in 1952. In 1951, Bud started work with the Long Island Water Authority, later becoming the Suffolk County Water Authority, from which he retired after 36 years. He and Peggy were among the people who helped to found the Long Island Yacht Club in Babylon.

      In 1961, Joe and Peggy were divorced. In 1969, Joe married Tina Malchusky and lived in Bay Shore. He took up golf but even though he wasn’t “championship” caliber, he took the game very seriously and played as often as he could fit it into his work schedule. He even managed a hole-in-one once in his lifetime. Joe was very fond of sweets, especially milk and cookies and ice cream. On the other hand he was pretty ‘health conscious’ and worked out regularly at a local spa. He loved to swim laps at the pool and truly enjoyed his swim time in the ocean. He went on diets about two weeks prior to each scheduled doctor’s checkup. Joe was also an avid reader. He loved going through his Time magazine and National Geographic cover to cover every month.

      Joe loved to travel and eventually bought a Holiday Rambler Motor Coach. He and Tina made several trips to Florida and later, Joe traveled to California to see two of his daughters (Patty & Barbara).

      Joe and Tina separated n 1993. Joe took up semi-permanent residence n his daughter, Susan’s, driveway in his Motor Coach. He enjoyed traveling around the country, meeting new people and visiting long-time friends. He had almost completed filling in his map of the US. Then he suffered a stroke. In March, 1998, Joe took an ‘assisted living’ residence in Hemet, California near his brother, Kenny, and daughter, Patty, in Temecula. That July, after returning home to Long Island, he was hospitalized and died on September 3, 1998.

Contributed by Patty McInerny

We remember Joe’s loyal participation at the annual Lucke Family picnics. We also remember with genuine pleasure that Joe and Tina made the long distance trips to attend three of our daughters’ weddings as well as visiting with us in Florida on one occasion. Bob remembers Joe as the kind of person who always “went the extra mile”.

(Contributed by Bob and Anne Magee)

 

5-3 Francis Kenneth (Ken) Bond

 

Ken, the third and youngest child of Elsie and Joe Bond, was born November 30, 1927.  For some reason the family always called him Ken.

Being the youngest had its advantages and disadvantages.  The good part was he was spoiled but the bad part was being picked on by his big brother and sister; of course they would deny this.

During their early childhood, the family moved to different homes a lot.  Not realizing that it was during the depression years and not aware of the financial problems that existed at the time, they just accepted the moving as part of life.

Mom (#5 Elsie) had a very good friend, Aunt Molly, who visited often; they would talk to each other in German, but the kids would always say to them “speak in a good language”.

During Ken’s high school days Mom was offered a job in the next town, which meant moving.  This would mean leaving school and friends, so Ken put up quite a scene.  He won the case; they didn’t move.

They didn’t take vacations away from home in those days, but often visited the Magee family at their summer place on Long Island Sound at

Fairfield, CT.  Uncle Ed would pick Ken up on a Friday night and bring him home a week later.

Ken always had a great time with Eddie, Bobby, Betty and Jimmy Magee.  The one part he wasn’t too keen about was when Bobby took him out in his rowboat to catch crabs.  When he brought them aboard and they would be crawling all over, Ken was ready to abandon the boat.

Soon after high school Ken joined the Navy and was transferred to California where his life changed from being an Easterner to a West Coaster.  It was during those Navy days in California that Ken met Dolores Burgan, who has been his wife for close to 49 years.  After completing his time in the Navy, they returned to Pelham for two years but their hearts were out West so in 1949 they moved to California and have been there ever since.  During those two years back in Pelham Ken had the good opportunity to play some softball and basketball with cousin Bobby Magee.

Once settled in married life in California, Mom came to visit.  With Mom and mother-in-law, the family took a trip in the old Dodge to Las Vegas, then up to Reno and across the mountains to San Francisco and back home.  The trip through the mountains was on a narrow, hilly and very curvy road.  Mom sat in the back seat of the car praying her Rosary. That’s what got us through safe and sound!

Ken and Dolores have three children, Nora, Kevin and Catherine, and they have produced seven grandchildren.  Ken has been back to New York several times, most recently for his brother Joe’s funeral last September, which also gave him a chance to visit with Virginia.

Ken has been retired for 13 years and enjoys fairly good health.

I remember that my Father was quite active. He was a hard worker, always finding time to be with his family. He was a Little League baseball coach for many years.  I was on one the teams he coached. Dad really loves sports, especially golf.

I also remember the wonderful camping trips our family took to nearby lakes.  We had a boat and Dad loved to have us water-ski.

Another thing I remember is that my Dad kept in contact with Uncle Bud and Aunt Ginnie. A few years ago they had a reunion and they really got along great.

 (Contributed by Kevin Bond)

The following reminiscences were gathered during a recent vacation period when Anne and Bob Magee and sister Betty were visiting with Florida residents Jim and Pat Magee.

One summer when Kenny came to visit the Magees at Fairfield Beach, Bob decided that he would teach Kenny, the city cousin, the art of catching fish.  So off they went in a small rowboat, propelled by a struggling 2-horsepower motor toward a menacing reef, which stretched out some two miles. Bob told Kenny that the secret to fishing was patience.  After several hours of waiting and no catches, Kenny’s patience had run out and he wanted to head for home.  Bob took Kenny to shore and returned to wait for the fish to bite while Ken walked back to the house.  Not too long after, Bob came home triumphant with 13 fish.  Bob said, “Didn’t I tell you that all it takes is a little patience?”

Kenny and Bob lived in the neighboring towns of Mount Vernon and Pelham and although they did not see each other often, Bob remembers reading in the local newspaper about Kenny who was a 3-sport athlete at Pelham High.  In 1947 Bob (quite an athlete himself) found himself on the same softball team, with Kenny as 2nd baseman and Bob as shortstop.  They won the Westchester County Tournament three years in a row.  Kenny and Bob also played together as teammates on the Pelham Sun Inn basketball team that went on to win the Town Recreation League three times running.

It might also be mentioned here that Betty, sister of Bob, Ed and Jim Magee, had a huge crush on Kenny during her High School days, saying he was the best looking boy she had ever seen. As usual Bob and Jim disagreed with her, insisting that Kenny was merely a close second to their brother, Ed.

Contributed by Anne Magee

Update on Dad (Ken Bond)

      Dad is 88 and still going strong. He has lived in Hemet, CA for over 25 years. Dad and Mom where very active with the community events and of course, Dad played golf Monday thru Friday. The entire family visited them in Hemet for holidays and birthdays and in the afternoons, all the kids would get Dad’s golf clubs and go out on the course to hit balls. Over the years, this created the “Bond Family Golf Tournament” on Fathers’ Day. This also created a trophy. You can imagine the bragging rights.

Contributed by Nora Young 2016

#6 LUCY DIED AS A CHILD – NO CHILDREN

 

THE CHILD OF #7 CHARLES (CARLIE) LUCKE

7-1 Dorothy

Dorothy Lucke was born on March 11, 1917 in Brooklyn, NY to Charlie Lucke and Mary Dorothea Broncheska.  Dottie’s mother died when Dottie was still in diapers.  She moved in with Grandma Lucke and her thirteen aunts and uncles.  Can you imagine going from being an only child to a home with 13 kids?  Yikes!   Mom went to school at Bishop McDonnell High School then held several secretarial positions at major corporations in Manhattan.

Mom has seven children: Steve, whose father died in the war, and six others with her late husband, Francis (Frank) C. Gucker.  Mom and Frank were married in 1950 in Brooklyn.  They moved to a very Catholic neighborhood in West Hempstead on Long Island about two years later.  Mom and Pop belonged to St Thomas the Apostle church and sent their kids to school there. For a time Mom had a live-in maid, then later a housekeeper who came twice a week.  All those kids were a handful and Pop worked long days, so it was great to have the help.  Pop would leave home in the morning at 7am and come home at 7pm, commuting to New York City where he worked at Gucker and Goldstein, a lace importing business.

In 1965, we moved to Bridgewater, New Jersey.  Pop died on May 19, 1970 leaving Mom with six children, ages 9 to 19, still at home.  Just when you think that life can’t get any tougher, the house caught on fire.  Theresa and a bunch of her friends were having a pajama party, when they smelled smoke coming from the basement.  They really saved the day because they were able to wake everyone and get everyone out before the explosion.  That was a nightmare and so were the following months.  The neighbors wouldn’t give Mom a variance to put a mobile home in the back yard while the house was being rebuilt, so we had to stay at the Bridgewater Holiday Inn for about two months.  Imagine, two connecting hotel rooms and five kids for months.

On Saturday afternoons Mom and Pop had a routine of making a round of gin-&-tonics or martinis.  On one of those afternoons, Mom must have exceeded her martini quota because all of a sudden she starting running through the house with a knife in her hand giggling and making noises like an Indian on the warpath.  What a sight!  All of us kids were watching TV and there she came, knife in hand, making Indian noises!  You never saw so many eyeballs pop at one time!

I remember Mom decorating the house. She was very talented at making drapes and slipcovers for the sofas and chairs, painting, wallpapering; you name it, she could do it.  Mom did more with a single can of gold leaf spray paint than Martha Stewart with her whole palate of paint colors!

While in New Jersey, Mom worked as a Shaklee distributor; after Pop died, she worked for the Bridgewater Police Department.  We all thought it was a good idea for her to work at the local police department – with seven kids, you never know when you might need a favor!! Mom stayed in Bridgewater until all the kids were out of high school except Theresa who moved with Mom to Seminole, Floridain 1978.

In Florida Mom tried her hand at being a land baroness, but buying high and selling low, didn’t work too well.  Mom then worked in the retail clothing business at Ivey’s which was later bought by Dillard’s, then at Gayfers department store.  She retired last year at 82!!  What a work ethic, my kind of employee!

With so many children, Mom didn’t have the opportunity to travel much in the earlier days.  We rented beach cottages in the Hamptons for many summers and Mom took us to Maryland once, too.  She visited San Francisco and Georgia and took a cruise somewhere. More recently she took the big trip to England to visit Carl and Annette.

Mom flew up to New Jersey to visit Paul a few years ago.  Paul, being a good son, came in to greet Mom and help get her luggage.  They waited and waited.  Unfortunately, Paul had to move his car (for fear of being towed).  Just after he left, Mom’s suitcase appeared. Mom went to grab the bag, but it got stuck on the carousel, then came loose and Mom went flying.  This must have been quite comical to see, but unfortunately for Mom, she really got hurt.  She calls this event ‘the beginning of the end’.

True to the prolific Lucke blood, Mom’s family has kept the pace.  Not only have her kids matured (ages 38-58), but they have children of their own, too.  Mom is now mother to seven, grandmother to fourteen, step-grandmother to two, and step-great-grandmother to two.  Here’s the list:

• Stephen (Steve) Gucker lives in New York with wife Anne and children Jennifer, Matthew, Charlie, and Luke
• Dorothy (Dar) Watkins Isler lives in Florida with husband Steve.  Children Craig, Kim and Stephanie are grown and gone.
• Paul Gucker lives in New Jersey with wife Barbara.  Children Kristin and David are grown and gone.
• Joseph (Joe) Gucker lives in North Carolina with wife Kathy and children Corey and Kaleigh.
• James (Jim) Gucker lives in North Carolina with wife Brigitta and children Danielle and Eric.
• Carl Gucker lived in England with his wife Annette until his death on January 23, 2010.  Annette has returned to New Jersey.
• Theresa Hanson lives in Kenneshaw, Georgia with children Kyle, Cole and Connor.  Her husband Steve died on January 7, 2011

Mom also has remained close with the children of Frank’s sister (Louise Simmons), Margaret and Liz.

-Dar

Mom used to get all the kids together, throw us in the old station wagon and drive off to Jones Beach for the day.  She would bring one of the old bedspreads from the attic bedroom.  She boiled about 2 dozen hotdogs and put them into this huge hot thermos bottle.  It seemed like we never ran out. They were always there when you wanted one!  Mom would also bring a large basket of hard-boiled eggs and another thermos of lemonade.  We always had enough!  We would set up the blanket and an umbrella and then all the kids raced for the water!  We would just play and eat, play and eat, play and eat until it was time to go home!  I don’t remember the rides home; we were all sound asleep while Mom sat in the traffic on the Long Island Expressway.  Thanks Mom.  Those were great times and are now my favorite memory!

Then there is a “not-so-good” memory! As a young stud, I owned a beautiful vintage 1964 Pontiac GTO.  It was in great shape; not a scratch on it!  I had to park it on the driveway close to the garage – right where Mom parked her car. She backed into it, not once, not twice, not even three times!  FIVE TIMES she backed into it!  And of course, not in the same spot.  I had dents on all four sides and two on one side.  I’m over it now – I think!  I love you Mom!

-Joe

Digging through some old pictures that Mom had given me, to help stir some old memories of outstanding moments, I found it quite difficult.  Growing up in a sea of siblings, it is hard to separate any “Mom moments”. It’s no wonder, since we were always a family together, in particular the summer vacations at the shore.

I remember the Hamptons, wading in the shallows playing motor boat with a piece of tubing, blowing through it to mimic the sound while floating on the raft.  I also remember the outings at JonesBeach, eating hard-boiled eggs for lunch, barely distinguishing the difference between the sand and salt.

When we moved to New Jersey we started to holiday at Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, pitching a tent for all of us on the beach.  We always picked hurricane time to go.  I remember once that we had to hold on to the tent to keep it from blowing away in the winds.  The thunder storms were very spectacular, crashing and banging overhead as the storms rolled in from the sea. At these times Mom would always have her rosary beads in hand, repeating the Lord’s Prayer until we all were safe from the storm. The real attraction was catching and eating fresh Maryland crab; we used chicken legs to tempt them to the surface.

In later years, we went to Chenago Valley in Upstate New York for our camping trips.  It was far away from the shore, but, not from the thunderstorms!  Mom still had her rosary beads; no trip would be complete without them.

When I was in high school, one of my math teachers was a member of our church. She told me how she admired my family.  She would look for us every week, watching how well dressed and behaved we all were, thinking that we were like the VonTrapps from The Sound of Music.  When I recall this story now, it makes me very proud to think how good my parents were to raise a large family with strong family values to be admired by all.

As for that famous “explosion”: Theresa and her friends made such a ruckus at the front door trying to escape, that they woke up Mom, who had to plow through the crowd to open the door.  When Mom tried to go back to her room to phone the fire department, she hit a brick wall of smoke and had to turn back.  From the front door she yelled and yelled “FIRE!” to wake the rest of us.

Mom had her airport accident in Newark in 1993.  She failed to use her usual charms and wisdom, to get help removing her overweight baggage from the carousel. Instead, she tried to do it herself. She wound up doing some back flips, to everyone’s amazement!!

When Mom traveled to England in September 1997, she had to walk a lot.  England is a country not designed for convenient parking, or even for cars, so a trip out would involve a lot of walking.  After visiting places like London, Sandringham (one of the Queen’s residences), Ely Cathedral, Cambridge, Norwich, and several others, Mom declared that she was grateful for all the exercise!!

(Contributed by Carl Gucker)

Camping at Chenago…sitting by the campfire, Mom would sing “The Big Baboon by the Light of the Moon”.  Lots of warm fuzzies there!  Mom packed us up and hauled us up there year after year.  I don’t know how she did it – I do know it took a lot of energy!  Thanks…energy well spent!

I especially remember Mom during the two big tragedies in my life: the day Pop died and the fire at 713 Talamini Road.  Mom was so strong; she just kept on going and doing what had to be done to keep the family on track.

One of my fondest memories of all is when I drove down from Gainesville to Largo one Mother’s Day.  We went to Indian Rocks Beach, sunbathed and talked all day. We went to dinner and then to see “Terms of Endearment.”  Mom handed me tissue after tissue during the movie.  That was a great day that I will always cherish.  Thanks for the memories, Mom.  I love you!

(Contributed by Theresa Gucker Hanson)

My fondest memories and admiration of Aunt Dot are as a wife and mother.  When I was going through the last few years of raising two teenagers, she had taken on a different role, as an independent person living alone in Florida with all those years of raising her kids behind her.

We had a wonderful time together in the early 1980s when I spent some time with her in Largo, soon after she moved into her mobile home.  She had fixed everything so nicely and made a cozy place for herself. We went to Indian Rocks beach, visited Theresa up in Gainesville where she was going to nursing school, went to Epcot which was just opening, ate out, met her friends and went to a psychic fair!!  But more importantly we got to talk and spend time together.  We’ve kept in touch of course, seen each other at family weddings, sent birthday cards, – but I do miss her and wish there weren’t the separation of miles between us.  I think about her often and am thankful that she has been – and is – part of my life.

 

My Aunt Dot

(on her 80th birthday)

You were a Lucke little girl who had no sibs,

So you made up for it by having seven kids.

There were times when I was one of them;

you took me in like a mother hen.  (Liz too!)

My phobia of tunnels, with which I’m still living,

comes from getting stuck in the Holland going to Brooklyn for Thanksgiving.

Time spent in West Hempstead in my formative years,

when all my cousins were sweet little dears.

(Steve was big and liked Elvis)  Baby Joe would fall asleep on my lap in the living room chair.

Dar changed clothes five times a day

and once when we went for her graduation party, she had run away!

I made friends with Ethel and had a crush on The Swengros’ Tommy,

and had my first exposure to a super mommy.

Octavia helped a little and you schlepped all the kids to Jones Beach on a summer day.

At night you didn’t go to bed,

you stayed up late hanging wallpaper instead!

The Basic H years on Talamini, you sold Shaklee and the people next door had that awful pet monkey. My cousins grew up in that house, Jim lost his baby fat, grew tall and handsome, Carl tinkered with stuff, machines and wire, Uncle Frank died, Paul went to the prom, Theresa had a party and there was a fire.

As in any life there are good times and bad,

I really admire the strength that you had.

You’ve kept on going like the Energizer Bunny

except you are rarely in a hurry down in Florida where it is nice and sunny.

Happy Birthday! I love you a lot,

you’re one great broad, you’re my Aunt Dot!!

(Contributed by Margaret Gulick)

 

THE CHILDREN OF #8 WILLIAM JOSEPH & KAY LUCKE

8-1 William H Lucke

Bill, the oldest Son, was born January 14, 1921.  He married Kay Sullivan on September 5, 1948; they had one Daughter, Karen, born 7/26/49.  Bill died in Florida on May 12, 1993.

I remember that my Dad enjoyed bowling, much like his Dad (and so many other Luckes) did.   Dad bowled in leagues for most of his life.   He taught me to bowl, as well as teaching me many things.

One of the best things that Dad taught me from an early age was to enjoy “God’s world” – to appreciate the beauty of the mountains, the ocean and wildlife.  We went on vacation every year, to the mountains or the shore.

I have many great memories of vacations spent with my family.  One time, when we were up in the Adirondack Mountains, we went to the town “garbage dump” to see the bears.  At dusk the bears would come out of the mountains to pick food from the trash.  The excitement of seeing bears up close was fascinating to me.  This was actually a tourist attraction – and it was free.  Oh, the simple things in life can be so wonderful!

On weekends we usually went somewhere “outdoors” – in the summer we would go to the beach and spend the entire day there.   In the cooler weather, we would take a drive (usually on Sundays) after visiting Grandma and Grandpa – sometimes to the beach to take a “brisk” walk on the boardwalk.

Dad also enjoyed fishing; he belonged to a fishing club for some time.  He also taught me to fish.  I miss him greatly but am so happy for the wonderful things that he taught me: honesty, fairness, kindness and love.

(Contributed by Karen Lucke LaPenna)

 

8-2 Harry Lucke

Harry, the middle Son, was born on the Feast of St Joseph, March 19, 1925.  He was a very good athlete, excelling at football and baseball at Franklin K Lane High school in Brooklyn.

Harry joined the Navy at age 18.  He became a Seabee and took part in the invasion of Saipan and Tinianan and was wounded.  When he returned home, he moved to Ohio for a while, doing construction work.  His marriage to Jackie McNulty lasted just over a year and after the divorce he returned to the family home in Queens.  Harry died April 10, 1969, at age 44, just about a week after his Father.

Harry’s Niece, Karen Lucke LaPenna, contributed the following:

Although Uncle Harry was a quiet, kind of keep-to-himself sort of person, we did have nice talks.  Uncle Harry and I watched TV together many times when I was a youngster.

I loved him much even though I did not know him as well as “Unc Bob”.  Uncle Harry was always kind to me, and looked out for me.  Somehow I understood, even at a young age, that people are different and show their affection and concern in different ways.

 

8-3 Patricia Lucke

Patricia died at childbirth on July 2, 1930.

 

8-4 Robert Boyce Lucke

Bob, the youngest of the 3 sons was born on August 13, 1932.  Although it was Friday the 13^th, it turned into a “good Lucke” charm!  Bob was a good student and attended the Prep Seminary.  After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy in April 1950.  He served in the Korean conflict and occupation forces in Europe and Japan.  In December 1954, Bob married Billie Jean Meadows.  They had two Daughters, Patricia, born 12/19/58 and Susan Ann, born 1/19/62.  Following their divorce, Bob married Susan McAllister; their Son Kevin was born 11/17/63. That marriage also ended in divorce.  Bob is currently married to Joni Barrett Lucke.

My first date with Bob was January 17, 1991.  We went to watch Bob’s favorite team, the NY Giants, play in the Superbowl.  The timing of our first kiss was when the rockets went off at the end.  Bob asked, “Did you hear rockets too?”  The Giants won – and so did I, because he proposed a short time later.  I accepted but we waited awhile until I could inform my 3 sons and introduce Bob to my family.

I guess Bob had a “thing” for Irish girls, since all three of his wives had Irish roots.  I was Joni Barrett who became Joni Lucke – and I have been “lucky” ever since!

Bob and I are soul-mates; we do everything together.  We faithfully attend our parish church at St Catherine’s, share household chores and shopping, and even do laundry together.  The only chore I have to keep Bob away from is painting.  When we lived in New Jersey, I decided to paint our apartment.  Bob insisted on helping.  I left him at the job while I went to the store for more rollers.  When I returned I walked into a grand mess.  Bob had fallen into the paint bucket and made a mess of the hardwood floors.  It took hours to clean up.  This convinced him that there are a few things that we cannot do together!  However, Bob excels in many other ways.  For instance he’s a great dancer (which is also one of my passions).

We both retired and moved to Largo Florida in 1996.  Bob loves Florida and won’t go North even for vacation.  This past year both Bob and I underwent cancer surgeries.  How’s that for another joint effort?  As Bob says, God has given us to each other for all-ways!

(Contributed by Joni Barrett Lucke)

      My favorite uncle is Uncle Bob – aka “Unc”.  He is the youngest of all my uncles, perhaps that is one reason why he is my favorite.  He was always fun and charming.  One of my fondest stories is when I was just a little girl; Unc took me to the movies.  I was more interested in picking up the trash on the floor, than watching the movie!  It was really embarrassing for “Unc” and he wasn’t able to finish watching the movie because of my desire to clean the theatre!

“Unc” Bob used to tease a lot.  When I spent the night with him and Aunt “Billie” (his first wife – Mother of Patricia and Susan) he would tease me about how I said, “May I please have more spaghetti?”  I actually would say “basgetti” and he would tell me I couldn’t have any more till I said it right – and I thought I was saying it right!  “Basgetti” – I mean what’s wrong with that????

(Contributed by Bob’s Niece, Karen Lucke LaPenna)

I recall visiting Uncle Bill and Aunt Loretta in downtown Brooklyn.  They had a big brownstone with a very long set of brick stairs up to the main floor, where there was a sitting room that we kids weren’t allowed in.  My Sister Lloyd and I were sent to the lower floor and played with Bobby (Billy and Harry were too old to bother with us.)  We enjoyed being with Bobby – he always had a vivid imagination and made up games for us to play.

Bobby used to visit us in Flatbush quite often.  He had to take a trolley and a bus and he came by himself but he was always interested in meeting members of “the Lucke side” because most of their time was with the Doughertys (Aunt Loretta’s family).  Once Lloyd took him on a tour, visiting Uncle Jack’s family and then Aunt Mary Muller who lived nearby; they walked for miles to get there!

Bob has stayed close with us over the years.  Joe (Lloyd’s son) and I really appreciated his coming to the cemetery with us when Lloyd died.  We certainly miss him now that he is “ensconced” inFlorida!

(Contributed by Bob Campbell)

#9 JOSEPH ANTHONY & BEATRICE BIER LUCKE HAD NO CHILDREN

 

 

THE CHILDREN OF #10 MARGARET MARY & EDWIN MAGEE

Edwin and Margaret Magee raised four children, Edwin (Eddie), Robert (Bob), Elizabeth (Betty) and James (Jimmy).  They were born and lived in Mount Vernon, just north of New York City.  Their summers were usually spent at Fairfield Beach, in Connecticut.  Since there were 3 boys and only one girl, several girl cousins were often invited to spend the summers with them, That’s how Rita Muller and Lloyd Campbell grew so close to their Magee cousins – a bond that lasted for a lifetime.

10-1 Edwin William Magee Jr was born on February 4, 1926.  He married Nancy Dillon, a Nurse, in 1958, in Mount Vernon.  Eddie and Nancy lived in Norwalk, CT and raised 7 children.

Eddie attended Iona University and was a prominent Wall Street economist. He was featured in US World and News Report. At one point in his career, he owned a successful liquor store. He later worked as a security guard for Stauffer Chemical at their headquarters in Westport, CT.

Eddie died on November 26, 1995.  Nancy still resides in Norwalk.  Their children and grandchildren live in Connecticut and Virginia.

10-2 Robert Hurley Magee was born March 28, 1928.  He married Anne O’Brien in 1953 in Mount Vernon.  They raised 10 children.  Bob died on January 30, 2005; Anne died shortly thereafter on June 25. Their children and many grandchildren live nearby in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

10-3 Elizabeth (Betty) Magee was born on February 22, 1930.  She married John Connelly in 1952, in Mount Vernon.  They raised 7 children.  John died in 1998.  Betty died May 4, 2006 Bridgeport CT.

10-4 James Venard Magee was born December 29, 1935.  He married Patricia Medley in 1958, in Orange CT.  They raised two children.  Jim died October 6, 2013 in Port St Lucie FL, where Pat still resides.

Eddie: When Eddie’s children were young and he was working in New York City, he would come home with lots of Christmas gifts for his family.  However, Nancy had the tedious job of wrapping all of them while Ed kept buying, and buying and buying.  He enjoyed this so much!  Eddie was always the life of any get-together we had.  Most of all, he enjoyed music.  He would start off singing while playing records, and before long everyone was singing.  It really didn’t matter what songs were playing, although his preference was Irish songs.  Eddie was a loving, giving person to everyone.

Bob: Bob introduced me to his Brother Jim (now my Husband) while we were working at Grand Union.  The first time I met Bob’s Wife Anne was a memorable one.  Bob and Jim stated that if I wanted to become a Magee, I would have to get down on my knees and say “something”.  Anne knelt down with me and we bowed to Bob and Jim, chanting “A-La-Magee”.  Anne was so kind to assist me, while Bob and Jim chuckled.  And I was accepted as a Magee!

Betty: I recall Betty always had a keen interest in reading books and discussing them.  And she loved Fairfield Beach!

Jim: My Husband has always loved to tease his many nieces and nephews.  He told all sorts of wild stories and they just loved it.  Once he pretended to swallow Joey and Bobby’s toy soldiers.  They sat in awe watching him, but one time it didn’t work out so well.  Little Patti swallowed a pin and Anne and Bob took her to the hospital.  Fortunately there was no serious injury but when they got her home they asked her why she did it.  Patti replied: “Uncle Jim swallows soldiers.”  So Uncle Jim had to revamp some of his practical jokes!

(Contributed by Patricia Medley Magee)

10-2 Robert Hurley Magee

I have been extremely fortunate to be able to work for my dad, Bob Magee, for the past 25 years in our family store “Peter’s Bridge Market”.  I started the summer after I graduated from high school after having avoided “the store” for 4 years to baby-sit for my cash, rather than have to work in the family business.  I heard all the stories from my siblings who drove off daily, and very early in the morning, with 4dad, only to return many hours later very tired and usually dirty.  I was very nervous about my new endeavor but also excited to join in the family fun.  Boy was it fun.  We worked hard but always had a good time doing whatever task dad assigned us.

We were all very fortunate to have our dad as our first “boss.”  From dad we learned the value of hard work and to have pride in the work you did no matter how small a job it seemed.  Since I’m still there today, I guess I love the family business as much as dad does, and I am very happy that my two daughters now have my dad as their first boss, just like I did.  Pop is teaching his grandchildren the same lessons he taught his children and we are all better people because of his influence in our lives.

My dad is the smartest, fairest, kindest and most loving man I know and anyone who has had the privilege of knowing and working with him is a greater person for having done so.  I love my dad and will always treasure the many hours we have spent together sharing our love of the family business.

(Contributed by Maura Magee Chasen)

 

    Bob Magee passed away on January 30, 2005.  Bob was the epitome of Family Man, not only for his own immediate Magee clan, and for the Lucke Family, but also for everybody who was fortunate enough to know him.  He was a treasured friend for so many of us!

Bob and his wife Anne attended every Lucke Family picnic, beginning in 1978, always bringing a “contingent” of family members along.  One of the scenes that was played out at every picnic was Rita showing anyone and everyone the Family Photo Album, which she had so lovingly created.  Fortunately we still have that album which was the source of some of the pictures on these pages.  Now Rita and Bob, along with so many others are enjoying memories and looking fondly down at us.

(Contributed by Bob Campbell)

 

OBITUARY

    ROBERT HURLEY MAGEE age 76 of Westport, CT formerly of Stamford, peacefully at his home on January 30, 2005 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.  He was the beloved husband of Anne O’Brien Magee.  He was born in Mount Vernon, NY on March 26, 1928 and was the son of the late Edwin W and Margaret Magee.

He resided in Stamford for 45 years before moving to Westport.  He graduated from Fordham Preparatory School in 1945 and received his BBA in Economics from Iona College in 1950.  He served as a Corporal in the US Army Signal Corps during the Korean War from 1950-1952 and served in the Army Reserve until 1957.  He obtained his MBA in Food Distribution from Michigan State University in 1955.  He worked for the Grand Union Company for twenty years.  He started the family business Peter’s Bridge Market in 1972, and Peter’s Weston Market in 1974 and considered himself very fortunate to be able to work with his family until retiring in 2003.  He was a sports enthusiast as a participant and a fan.  He played baseball on the Iona College Varsity Baseball Team and coached the Our Lady Star of the Sea School Girls’ Softball and Basketball teams.  He was a member of the Mount Vernon, NY Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  He also served on numerous boards including the Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Advisory Board, the Associated Foods Distributors and the Allied Food Grocers Co-op boards.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, February 3rd at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Stamford. Burial was at Assumption Cemetery.

EULOGY

      Good morning. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Bob’s youngest son Jim, #6 in the rotation. I would like to thank each and every one of you for being here today and for your support over these last few days. Your generosity has been overwhelming and much appreciated by us all.  Looking out over the church at the faces of so many of Dads friends, relatives, acquaintances, and past employees gives us the strength to carry on with our lives knowing that Dad touched so many people in such a positive way. Quite simply, if you met him once, or you met him a hundred times – he was the same man. Diligent hard-working, thoughtful, kind – no hubris – just a great guy.

Last Sunday morning, the phone call came from Mom- Dad needs help. I hopped into my Jeep; fired up the engine and started on my 15-minute ride to Mom and Dad’s house. As chance would have it, the CD playing was “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” – the song “Funeral for a Friend”. My mind started to drift off to another time – Ft Meyers Beach Florida – The Pink Shell Cottages. Dan Ryan, Dennis McGinnity, Joe Fahey and Dad – grilling some burgers on the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoying some beers, discussing politics, sports, religion, or whatever – Dad was at ease. He was with good friends, with his family. Life could not have been better. He always loved Ft Meyers Beach; he came back re-energized for another year of work at Peter’s Bridge Market. Poor Bob and Joe really had to hustle when he returned.

Work was an extension of his family life – not an interruption. All ten of us – even Mom for a short time – worked at the stores for many wonderful years. His employees were his friends, no matter what age or gender, everybody was treated the same – with respect, deference and a kind word always. He listened to their life experiences as if theirs was the only story. I can say with certainty that each one of us considered him our very best friend.

At all stages of our lives, no matter who we brought to the house, Dad would greet them as family. He had the ease of a talk show host while at the same time a seriousness of purpose – a man to be admired, listened to and respected. He was not gregarious; he was welcoming, never boastful about his accomplishments, only optimistic about tomorrow’s goals. He was a man of few words, but always knew just what to say – unique to each one of us. Whether it was telling one of us that we were being too serious, or not serious enough – whatever it was, he would know what we were thinking. He related to each of his 21 Grandchildren in the same manner.

Many of you have remarked on what an easy man Dad was to talk to – that’s because, as I said earlier, he was the best listener you would ever encounter – believe me, he heard a lot over the years from the ten of us!

When Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, he showed his true character. He never complained, never worried about himself, but instead worried about his Family; particularly Mom, and the effect his illness had on our lives, especially towards the end. He never wanted to be a burden – and he wasn’t. Caring for our father was a privilege to all of us. The disease may have taken over his body, but he did not allow it to take over his life. His life did not shut down. He lived for his family. He carried his cross with strength, dignity, and silent acceptance. His comment to Mom when he was first diagnosed was “As bad as it is, it could be worse.”

One of the greatest gifts my sisters, brothers and I have received from our Dad, is the example he and my mother set for us; as parents, as partners, as Christians, as people who practiced what they preached. Our hope is that we can honor his memory by following their example in our own lives, as we raise our own children.

All good daydreams come to an end, and mine did. I pulled into Mom and Dad’s driveway and saw my sister Katie walking toward the door – my brother-in-law Dave was already inside, and two police cruisers were in the driveway. Mom’s first words to me were “Jim your Buddy’s gone.” I knew Dad was not gone; he was released from his suffering. He left this world the way he lived his life, with quiet, humble dignity.

The words echoed in my ears “Oh I’ve finally decided my future lies, Beyond the Yellow Brick Road”.

(Eulogy by Bob’s son, Jim Magee)

 

Pop

Oh, how I love Pop.  He was a great guy and he was the humor of the family.  Everyone misses him and were upset that they barely got to see him, but I was lucky because I saw him the day before he passed away.  It will sure be different without Pop, we won’t hear him sing, he won’t be reading the paper every morning about all his grandkids and he won’t be there to take out his little girls, Maggie and Casey.  We will all miss all of those lovely things and the stories he used to tell us, but I will especially remember the story he told about Whitey Ford.  It’s just too bad he didn’t last for his 77^thbirthday on March 26^th.  The Superbowl won’t be the same without Pop watching it with us.  Even though we will miss him, we must understand that he is pain-free, and is in heaven with Uncle Bobby.

(Contributed by Bob’s Granddaughter, Lauren Romano, age 12)