Bloomfield veteran who served in three wars dies at age 100

BLOOMFIELD, N.Y. — Richard Albert Lucas, a Bloomfield man who served in three wars, died on Friday at age 100.

Lucas was born in Cattaraugus County in 1921 and started his military career in the Army Air Corps at age 21. He was the second of nine children. His wife Edith Mae Lucas and three of his children passed before him. He survived by his son, daughter, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Outside of his military career, Lucas worked as a superintendent of building and grounds for Ontario County. He also volunteered to play Santa Claus every year for many charities from 1989 to 2019 around Christmas time.

Lucas was a commander and lifetime member of the Honeoye-Hemlock American legion and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He also had a passion for music which inspired him to organize bluegrass and country music jam fests and concerts.

He had a great love for animals, and was extremely passionate about raising and training Boxer dogs from Germany to the United States.

“He spent his life serving his community striving to make a real difference in the lives of others. A man that was willing to do anything for friends and family and often strangers. He will be missed. See you later alligator,” wrote his obituary.

The calling hours for Lucas are Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home in Honeoye. A memorial service and military honor for him will begin at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Honeoye – Hemlock American Legion: PO Box 478, Honeoye, NY 14471.