It is with heavy hearts we share the sudden passing of our son, Lucas Escabi, friend and family to so many, who left us far too soon at the age of 21. Born in Manchester, NH on December 17th, Lucas brought laughter and light to all those that knew him. His humor, fiery energy and free spirit were felt deeply by all those lucky enough to cross his path.
From the very beginning, he brought joy to us all. As a child, he was full of curiosity, spending countless hours outdoors exploring whether it was at his Mimi and Bumpy’s home on the lake, going on endless afternoon walks with his Nanny or even the special trips to his Papa’s horse farm. And from the moment he learned how to fish, he was forever transformed into being an outside kid. As his early childhood grew into his middle years, he made the jump into his life in Pembroke in the 6th grade and his life began to take root. There began the beginnings of so many friendships that became the foundation of the man he grew to be. As he entered those years, his passions and interest began to take shape in the form of sports. He quickly decided that baseball and hockey were the sports he was going to embrace. As parents we had to gently remind him that most of the kids that played those sports had been throwing and swinging a bat and skating with a hockey stick in their hands probably since they could walk. He would have some ground to make up for. He poured his heart and energy into both and wouldn’t you know it, his natural talent took over and just like that, we had an athlete on our hands. The friendships that started there blossomed into so many other activities- skiing, 4-wheeling, boating, fishing, golfing and many, many bonfires.
During his high school years Lucas also entered the world of employment and at 16 started his first job as a busser at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester. His role as a busser slowly grew into other positions and over the years finally settled on Event Bartending. He learned what it was to become a Backroom family member and forged many close friendships inside those walls, something we are so grateful for.
Lucas graduated from Pembroke Academy with the class of 2021 in pure Lucas style, free spirited and fiery right down to the memorable graduation ceremony. His path as a freshman at Keene State College was short lived thanks to COVID, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. As with many of his friends who chose paths other than college, we urged him to explore and find out where his true passions lay. At the suggestion of his father’s friend to try something different, a new direction and thrilling passion was discovered: flying helicopters. The experience of flying high above and the technicality and knowledge needed to master the art won him over.
To continue to watch him grow these last few years was truly a gift. Sports were a passion of his. He loved watching his beloved Bruins play alongside the Patriots and Red Sox. It did not come as a surprise when upon his 18th birthday he requested his social security number and a new love of DraftKings and gambling revealed itself, which he proved be successful and smart about. He spent his time with his closest friends doing what he loved the most: hitting the casino, playing fantasy sports, listening to music, smoking cigars, boating on the lake, skiing which in turn took him traveling all over to new places far and wide. During this time Lucas found a rare and beautiful love in his girlfriend, Emily Paltauf. She truly understood his heart. She uncovered a side to Lucas that was new to us and truly a gift. Her presence undoubtedly lit up his life which was visible to anyone that spent time with them or had the pleasure of seeing any of the selfies she forced upon him while doing so many different fun crafts, attending different sporting events or simply just driving together.
While he was taken from all of us far sooner than we could have ever imagined, the impact he has left on all those he loved and loved him back will last forever. Lucas will be deeply missed by his parents, Melvin Escabi Jr. and Melissa (Grusmark) Duris. He is survived by countless family members including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Celebration of Life was held on Friday November 1st from 2-5 at Pembroke Pines, 45A Whittemore Rd, Pembroke, NH. Memorial Visiting Hours will be held Monday, November 4th from 3 – 5:45pm at Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd, Londonderry, NH with a reception to follow from 7 - 9pm at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester for friends and family.