Born September 16, 1925 in Chicopee, MA, married to Catherine Lee (Johnson) December 21, 1968 in St. Peter, MN, died peacefully, surrounded by loved oneson November 8, 2014 in Maryland.
Predeceased in deathby his parents, Michael and Irene (Kaloroumakis) Lukakis; his sister, Mary Venetiou,and her husband, Steve; brother NikeLukakis and his wife, Florence; and brother George Lukakis, who died in the Korean War. He is survived by Catherine, his beloved and dedicated wife; Christina, their cherished daughter and her husband Brian Lusignan; John Jr., his dear son; nephew Michael Lukakis, and his wife, Anne;niece Irene Venetiou, and her husband Buddy Rappoport; and niece Nikki Lukakis, as well as many extended family members, other loved ones, and friends.
A World War II veteran, John served in the European Theater in the 737th Bombardment Squad, 454th Bombardment Group as a B-24 turret gunner in the U.S. Army Air Corpsfrom 1944 to 1946. His honors include the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Medal, and many more. He continued his military career as an officer in the United States Air Force Reserves for 30 years, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Following his active duty service, he enrolled in Swain School of Design in New Bedford, MA. He worked as a successful commercial artist on Madison Avenueand his illustrations were published in many magazines with paintings being curated by 14 museums nationally. Simultaneously, he earned his Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. He also received his Doctorate in 1966.
Dr. Luke excelled in many careers throughout his long life. In his educational career,(1953-1980), he worked as a teacher, counselor and principal before becoming Superintendent of Schools inHanska and Cleveland, Minnesota, in McKees Rocks, PA, and as the Superintendent of the Chicopee Public Schools (1974 to 1980). After that, he served as an international consultant in the Azores, Nigeria, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and China and served for more than 30 years with NATO’s Congress of Interallied Officers of the Reserve (CIOR).
He was invested as a Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, the Knights of Malta and the Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem.A lifetime member of the Reserve Officers Association (ROA), he fought to improve the support and care provided to reserve officers and other veterans.He was also a long-time active member of the Temple Noyes Cathedral Masonic Lodge.
Dr. Luke believed that all things are possible through hard work and perseverance. He instilled a spirit of hope and optimism in everyone he met and he continued working on important projects until the week of his death. For this reason, a scholarship fund has been established in his name for graduates of Chicopee High School.
Calling hours will be held the morning of the funeral at Grise Funeral Home in Chicopee, Massachusetts on November 14 from 9-10:30. Services will follow at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at 11. Military honors and burial at Arlington National Cemetery will follow at a date to be determined. Donations may be sent to the CHS Supt. John M. Luke Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Chicopee High School, 820 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01020.