July 5, 1941 - June 23, 2011
Resident of Benicia
After a lengthy battle with cancer, Phil passed away on June 23, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Phil was born in Oakland Calif., attended Oakland schools and graduated from Oakland High School.
Soon after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served his tour of duty in Germany.
Upon returning from the Army, he attended Laney College in Oakland, where he met his future wife, Connie. In 1978, he moved his family from San Ramon to Benicia.
In the late 1970s and early 80s, Phil managed and pitched on the Benicia Men's Slo-Pitch League. He was a member of the Lions Club for 30 years. He was chairman for numerous fundraisers, some of which were the Benicia Peddlers Fair booth and the Lions Crab Feed. He received the honor of being Lion of the Year. He served in the offices of Tail Twister, First Vice President and President. He earned the Presidential award.
Phil's profession was a plumber. He belonged to the Plumbers Union for more than 43 years. Phil retired on Jan. 1, 2001.
Phil always enjoyed spending time in his garage, but after retirement it became his passion. Phil loved to socialize and his garage soon became the social gathering place for family, friends and neighbors. His garage soon became known as "Phil's Bottom of the Third." Phil's passion was golfing and he was an avid 49er, Giants and NASCAR fan. Phil always said that the two most important things in life were family and friends. The neighborhood will not be the same without him and he will be sadly missed by all.
Phil was predeceased by his parents, Jay and Roberta Lucas; and brother, Robert Lucas.
Phil is survived by his wife of 47 years, Connie; sisters, Sandra (Vincent) Mirizio and Karen (Chester) Page; daughters, Laura (David) Spikes, Becky Mitchell, Andrea Valenzuela and Robie Lucas; granddaughters, Melissa and Connie; grandsons, Adam, Shebourne, Brandon, Alex, Sterling and Kennedy; great-granddaughters, Ariel and Alexia; sisters-in-law, Rose Caballero, Maria Helen Chambers, Virginia De La Torre and Sylvia De La Torre; brother-in-law, Joe De La Torre; many cousins; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give a special thanks to his buddy, Kevin, and the rest of the "Bottom of the Third" gang for being there for him throughout his illness. Deep appreciation goes out to his niece, Marcella and to the great team from hospice.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Passalacqua's Mortuary in Benicia, Calif. Immediately following the memorial, there will be a celebration of life at the historic arsenal park, 940 Tyler St., Benicia.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice or your favorite charity.
Arrangements by Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, (707) 745-3130, www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com.
