Joseph J. Lucey Jr. of East Quogue died on September 22. He was 91.
Known to all who loved him as “Coach Joe Lucey” or to his family as “Poppy,” according to his family, he left a mark on everyone.
Raised in Baldwin, he attended Chaminade High School, where he played football, basketball and baseball. He continued to play football and baseball in college, where he received his undergraduate degree at Cortland State Teachers College and then a master’s at Hofstra University.
After his service in the U.S. Army as a military police officer stationed in Paris at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe during the Korean War, he returned home to teach physical education and coach football in the Huntington School District for 30-plus years.
A proud moment, according to his family, was his induction into the Long Island High School Football Hall of Fame for his successes as head coach of a football program he loved.
Mr. Lucey was an avid golf player and lifelong fan of the Yankees.
He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Joyce (Brittan) of Southampton.
He is survived by three daughters,; Jill Lau (Michael), Deirdre Blanco, Heather Prodromakis (John); eight grandchildren, Michael Lau, Alexandra Metz (Jeremy), Christina Blanco, Donald Blanco, John Prodromakis Jr. (Kristen), Taylor Donohue (Nicholas), Holly Prodromakis (Joseph), Madison Prodromakis; and 10 great-grandchildren, Lucy, Stella, Oliver, Liv, Levi, Parker, Claire, Grady, Penelope and Benjamin.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.
on Sep 25, 2020