Kevin Walter Lucia, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5, accomplished aviator and devoted family man known for his adventurous spirit and warm sense of humor, died Jan. 7 at his home in Baldwin. He was 66.
Lucia spent more than three decades in military service, retiring from the Army in 2015 after 34 years of honorable duty. An Army aviator and Afghanistan Campaign veteran, flying was his lifelong passion. After leaving military service, he continued his career in aviation as a Life Flight pilot for Geisinger Medical Center in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, providing emergency medical transport before fully retiring in 2021.
Born in Bordeaux, France, Lucia grew up in a military family and later attended St. John’s University. He eventually settled on Long Island, most recently living in Baldwin.
Family and friends remember him as fun-loving, kind and endlessly adventurous.
“He was happiest when he was flying,” his longtime partner, Susan, recalled. One of her favorite memories is a photograph he once sent her, standing proudly in front of a helicopter — an image she says perfectly captures whom he was.
Despite his tough military background, those closest to Lucia describe him as deeply sentimental and caring, someone who put family first. He remained closely connected to his children and grandchildren, embracing technology to stay in touch and never missing an opportunity to support loved ones, even when they lived far away.
Lucia embraced life’s adventures, taking up skiing at age 60 and quickly becoming an enthusiastic skier. He and Susan enjoyed traveling the world together, and he developed a strong appreciation for wine, visiting wineries globally and even considering becoming a sommelier.
A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Lucia rarely missed a workout, even while traveling. He had gone to the gym the morning of his passing, Susan recalled.
His approach to life left a lasting impression on those around him.
“If you want to do something, do it, because you just never know,” Susan said, describing the philosophy he lived by. “He lived every day to the fullest.”
Loved ones say what they will miss most is his comforting presence and warmth.
“When he hugged you, you felt it,” Susan said. “It lasted. It made everything better.”
Lucia is survived by his children, Christopher Lucia and Lauren Corrigan; their mother, Theresa; their spouses, Kimberly and John; grandchildren Alexa, Colin and Emma; siblings Sue Schmidt, Donald Lucia and Lynn Flynn; and many extended family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur R. and Marilynn E. Lucia, and his brother, Arthur C. Lucia.
Family and friends say Lucia’s legacy lives on through the laughter, support and adventurous spirit he shared with all who knew him.
