On Sunday December 6, surrounded by his family Arthur Joseph Lucas, Sr., 96, went to be with his Lord and Savior. The oldest child of Manuel & Anna Lucas, he was born at home in San Jose, CA on October 9, 1913. A resident of Manteca since 1932, he worked at Manteca Canning Co. for 44 years before they closed their doors in the mid 1960’s. He then went on to work 10 more years in the Stockton cannery before retiring at the age of 72. Arthur was a hardworking and dedicated man. His priority in life was to provide for his family and help out others; at which he truly succeeded.

Also known as AJ, Arthur was a friendly man that enjoyed the simple things in life; such as reading the daily newspaper with a rich cup of coffee, traveling, bowling and tending to his yard and garden. He was proud of his faith and heritage; he was actively involved with the community, especially the Catholic Church and Portuguese halls. He was the oldest active member of the M.R.P.S. and U.P.E.C. He served as the 3rd president for the Y.M.I., volunteered as a 4H Leader in the old Manteca 4H and served on the school board for St. Anthony’s in the late 70’s. Giving back wasn’t something that only came during his golden years. In the early 1940’s as a young husband and father he volunteered as a fireman for over 10 years.  

Arthur was always on the go with the need of keeping himself busy. He welcomed everyone with a big smile and never knew a stranger. He leaves behind a legacy of tradition and values.

Mr. Lucas is survived by his children; Art Lucas, Jr. and his wife, Myra; Marian Rawlins and her husband, Herb all of Manteca and Sylvia Stagno and her husband, Gary of Riverbank. Siblings, George Lucas and Lavina Monk; eight grandchildren; Christine Higby, Michael Lucas, Jeffery Lucas, Loretta Hoyer, Shawn Rawlins, Lani Manasse, Tonya Sousa and Gary Stagno, Jr. He was also blessed with 16 great grandchildren with 2 more arriving soon. He joins his adoring wife of 66 years, Deolinda Lucas in Heaven; along with his granddaughter, Yvette Stagno and siblings, Dorothy Jorge and John Lucas.

Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, Manteca. Visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 14, 2 to 7 p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home. A Rosary & Vigil service will immediately follow at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, Dec. 15, 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 525 East North Street, Manteca. Arthur will be laid to rest beside his wife at St. John’s Cemetery, Escalon. An online guest book is also available at www.plfryandson.com for condolences.