Capt. John R. Lucas

12/16/1935 – 5/23/2025

John was born in Haverhill, MA to J. Kenneth Lucas and Rebecca LaBonte Lucas.  He attended Haverhill public schools and earned his B.S. in pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.  He received his M.S. at the University of Arizona.  He was married to the former Marcia Gallond, also of Haverhill, for 65 years.

John began his pharmacy career in Haverhill, MA and Concord, NH before moving to Syracuse, NY to work as a research scientist at Bristol Laboratories.  When the Viet Nam war created a need for an increased military, he was contacted by an old friend to see if he was available for active duty.  He was.  He served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years with duty stations at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, NC; Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Kittery, ME and Naval Hospitals at Charleston, SC; San Diego, CA and Bethesda, MD.  He also served as Pharmacy Advisor to the Surgeon General of the Navy at BuMed, Washington DC.  His last two tours were as Chief of Pharmacy at Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA; and at a second tour in San Diego.  He retired with the rank of Captain and began civilian life again.

His first venture as a civilian was to attend a six month culinary school as cooking was one of his very much appreciated talents.  At the completion of school he was offered and accepted a job in the kitchens of Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego.  While he enjoyed this experience, he opted to return to pharmacy with one of the local pharmacy chains.

Following a final retirement, he and his wife divided their time between Kittery, ME and Poway, CA where he could enjoy both of his passions, cooking and reading.

He is survived by his wife and children, daughter Mary Lucas and spouse Roger Sherman; son Joseph Lucas and spouse Wendy; son Jeffrey Lucas and spouse Melinda; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his son John W. Lucas.

He was greatly loved and admired by his family and friends.  He will be missed.

There will be no public viewing or services at this time.