Deacon John Lucas, 75, died Dec. 21. He was ordained in 2004, and served as executive director of Amate House and Joseph and Mary Retreat House and at various parishes.

Deacon Lucas was an alumnus of Loyola Academy, Wilmette (1963), Marquette University, Milwaukee (1967) and Loyola University Chicago (2004), and he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army.

He and his wife of 52 years, Patricia, were dedicated members of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Northfield.

In 1975, he founded the Lucas Company with his father and brother. His business leadership continued at Holmes Engraving.

In 2000, he moved to a life of service, and four years later was ordained a deacon. He was a counselor at the Samaritan Institute and various parishes, and he was executive director of Amate House and Mary and Joseph Retreat House.

In addition to his wife, Deacon Lucas is survived by his children John Lucas III, Mary Beth LoVerdi, Megan Leadbetter and Michael Lucas; 14 grandchildren; and siblings Lynn Martin, Jerome Lucas and Lawrence Lucas.