Obituary for James F Lucadema Jr.
James F. Lucadema Jr. (Jim), of Kenilworth, NJ, passed away at home on April 15, 2020, one day shy of his 94th birthday.
Jim was born on April 16, 1926 in Irvington, NJ to James F. Sr. & Margaret (Clark). He grew up in Maplewood. As a child, Jim helped his father with his ribbon-winning fancy pigeons. Growing up, Jim loved horses and had his own horse named Ebony.
Upon graduation from Columbia High School in 1944, Jim enlisted in the US Navy, attaining the rate of Motor Machinist's Mate 2nd Class. He was based at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and took part in anti-submarine patrols off the eastern coast of South America. Among the ships he served on was the USS Marlboro (APB 38). Jim was honorably discharged in 1946.
Jim spent his entire working life in the screen-printing industry. In 1946 he started working for Mr. Wagner at Wagner Foto Screen Process. In 1968, he purchased the business and worked up until his retirement.
Jim was proud of the fact that Wagner Foto Screen Process was one of the many companies involved in the creation of The Bell Telephone System’s Telstar Satellite. Launched in 1962, it was the first satellite capable of cross-ocean relay of telephone calls, TV, and data messages. Wagner Foto screen-printed many of the parts and panels.
Jim and Lucille (nee Sodano) married in July of 1949 and were married nearly 70 years until Lucille's passing in April 2019.
Jim enjoyed a macaroni meal every Sunday with his family and cherry vanilla ice cream with Lucille. His leisure activities included deer- and duck-hunting, fresh- and saltwater-fishing, boating, woodworking, and ultra-light aircraft. He loved western books, TV shows, and movies. The wonderful ladies at the Kenilworth Library bent over backwards to find western books for Jim to read. He enjoyed sitting on the deck with Lucille, watching neighborhood activities and bird-watching.
Jim loved living in the Borough of Kenilworth for 65 years, from 1956 to the present. He was a parishioner of St. Theresa's RC Church and a member of various Kenilworth organizations, including the Senior Citizens, Historical Society, and Friends of the Library. Jim was also a member of numerous organizations related to his interests, such as the National Rifle Association (life member), Ducks Unlimited, NJ Audubon Society, Fin & Feather Rod & Gun Club, Beaver Brook Rod & Gun Club, NJ Ospreys, and First Jersey Ultralight Flying Club, to name a few.
Jim was predeceased by his wife Lucille. He is survived by his son Ken Lucadema (and wife, Karen) and daughter Donna Masucci (and husband, Bob), and granddaughters Christina Masucci and Emma Lucadema.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, arrangements are private and being handled by Mastapeter Funeral Home, Roselle Park. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.
Donations can be made to the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Kenilworth Police Department, or the Kenilworth Public Library.
... Okey-Dokey Dad ... Toot-A-Loo ...
Jim was born on April 16, 1926 in Irvington, NJ to James F. Sr. & Margaret (Clark). He grew up in Maplewood. As a child, Jim helped his father with his ribbon-winning fancy pigeons. Growing up, Jim loved horses and had his own horse named Ebony.
Upon graduation from Columbia High School in 1944, Jim enlisted in the US Navy, attaining the rate of Motor Machinist's Mate 2nd Class. He was based at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and took part in anti-submarine patrols off the eastern coast of South America. Among the ships he served on was the USS Marlboro (APB 38). Jim was honorably discharged in 1946.
Jim spent his entire working life in the screen-printing industry. In 1946 he started working for Mr. Wagner at Wagner Foto Screen Process. In 1968, he purchased the business and worked up until his retirement.
Jim was proud of the fact that Wagner Foto Screen Process was one of the many companies involved in the creation of The Bell Telephone System’s Telstar Satellite. Launched in 1962, it was the first satellite capable of cross-ocean relay of telephone calls, TV, and data messages. Wagner Foto screen-printed many of the parts and panels.
Jim and Lucille (nee Sodano) married in July of 1949 and were married nearly 70 years until Lucille's passing in April 2019.
Jim enjoyed a macaroni meal every Sunday with his family and cherry vanilla ice cream with Lucille. His leisure activities included deer- and duck-hunting, fresh- and saltwater-fishing, boating, woodworking, and ultra-light aircraft. He loved western books, TV shows, and movies. The wonderful ladies at the Kenilworth Library bent over backwards to find western books for Jim to read. He enjoyed sitting on the deck with Lucille, watching neighborhood activities and bird-watching.
Jim loved living in the Borough of Kenilworth for 65 years, from 1956 to the present. He was a parishioner of St. Theresa's RC Church and a member of various Kenilworth organizations, including the Senior Citizens, Historical Society, and Friends of the Library. Jim was also a member of numerous organizations related to his interests, such as the National Rifle Association (life member), Ducks Unlimited, NJ Audubon Society, Fin & Feather Rod & Gun Club, Beaver Brook Rod & Gun Club, NJ Ospreys, and First Jersey Ultralight Flying Club, to name a few.
Jim was predeceased by his wife Lucille. He is survived by his son Ken Lucadema (and wife, Karen) and daughter Donna Masucci (and husband, Bob), and granddaughters Christina Masucci and Emma Lucadema.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, arrangements are private and being handled by Mastapeter Funeral Home, Roselle Park. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.
Donations can be made to the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Kenilworth Police Department, or the Kenilworth Public Library.
... Okey-Dokey Dad ... Toot-A-Loo ...