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4 tree(s) planted in memory of William Lucas, IV
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Matt Marrone posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
For about as far back into my childhood as I can remember, the Lucases were my second family. Shawn was my best friend. Billy was like the older brother I never had — making up songs and nicknames for me, teasing me in ways I found totally hilarious. I can still sing the personal theme song he wrote for me. I called Jane my other mom.
And I was TERRIFIED of Bill.
In high school, I joined the football team, mostly following Shawn’s lead. I wasn’t cut out for it. For a short time, I had amazing calves — I’ll never forget the girls wanting to touch them — but otherwise it was a bust. I stuck with it as long as I could stand it, but the day I knew for sure I’d never have my named called in the NFL draft was the day Bill, during practice, tried to teach me the importance or staying low while trying to make a tackle. “Run at me!” he said. I did, staying low, as he commanded. I approached him knowing there was no way this would end well. That was confirmed when suddenly I was launched backward into the air — and although I can’t confirm this, I’m pretty sure I flipped several times like a stick figure in a flip-book cartoon. I’m also sure Bill did it not to hurt me but in the most gentle way possible: To this day, I swear he simply flicked me away with his finger, launching me into zero G for a moment until I ended up on the grass, forgetting for a moment what planet I had returned to.
It was this knowledge of Bill’s ability to nearly destroy me without even a hint of effort or a trace of malice that made what happened in the summer of 2000 possibly the closest brush with death I have had to date.
Shawn had again lured me into uncomfortable territory — he saved my life by inviting me to join him on the Appalachian Trail after having my heart broken. By the time I had stopped crying every night in my tent, and could confidently hike 20 miles a day up and down mountains without praying for death, I was back to my old self. So of course I decided it would be hilarious to write a letter to Jane and Bill, updating them on our exploits from the trail. In what I thought was a brilliant comedic bit, I mixed true stories of the trail with occasional very fictional mentions of us being a bit worried about Shawn. As I wrote, I peppered in this story: Shawn, I joked way too dryly, had fallen one day. He assured us he was fine but we weren’t sure. Anyway, the scenery was wonderful and the trail was grueling but rewarding. But also, we swore we could see bone protruding from Shawn’s leg. Oh and we found this awesome watering hole and someone left ice cold beers in a stream for us. We call that trail magic. So next time you speak to Shawn, just ask him about his leg, OK? I’m sure it’s no big deal! Love to you all back in Potown!
I mailed the letter — which, I might add, Shawn endorsed and also thought was hilarious — and we continued into the wilderness. At some point later, a ranger approached Shawn and the only reason I am alive today is because the ranger told Shawn there was a search on for him. Apparently, my letter had landed like a nuclear bomb. Immediately, Bill and Jane hopped into their car and started driving. The Parks Dept. was put on high alert for an injured hiker. I think Smokey the Bear might have canceled a forest fire commercial to help in the search.
Long story short, we got through to my parents and Shawn to Bill and Jane and assured them he was fine. Bill and Jane turned around and drove home. Had Bill reached me, he would have been the one attending MY funeral. The next time I saw him, I think he still wanted to kill me, but he’d cooled off enough to rule out cold-blooded murder.
Even years later, I wondered if he still dreamed of breaking MY leg and forcing ME to walk the trail with my femur sticking out. But the one thing that kept Bill from being truly terrifying was his laugh, and the love in his heart.
I was glad we missed each other on the trail that summer. Now, I’ll just miss him forever.
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Lauren V. planted a tree in memory of William Lucas, IV
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
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Im so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort during this time. Sending love. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
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Shawn & family- You are in our thoughts and hope you find peace through the process. We miss you!- Teddy and John
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Buddy and Darlene Scivoletto purchased flowers
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
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Buddy and Darlene Scivoletto
purchased the Simple Sorrows and planted a memorial tree for the family of William Lucas, IV.
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Buddy and Darlene Scivoletto planted a tree in memory of William Lucas, IV
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
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May memories comfort you Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Chris & Max purchased flowers
Sunday, May 11, 2025
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Sending so much love & hugs. He will forever be with you & by your side. Xoxo
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Victoria Marrone posted a condolence
Sunday, May 11, 2025
I never wanted to leave NYC and come to Poughkeepsie - a place whose name I couldn’t spell. My kids didn’t want to either and it wasn’t until we met the Lucas’ that we all stopped crying. We moved into Scenic Gardens, mainly because it had sidewalks, and the very next day we walked outside and I stopped a pretty young girl (Terry) and asked if she knew of any kids in the neighborhood. She did and that led to best friends, memory hill, a community pool right in my backyard crammed with playmates and Jane. Jane was my first best Poughkeepsie friend and she rescued me. It wasn’t until later that the husbands entered the picture and I met Bill. I don’t remember when Jane and Bill became a regular in our lives but I do remember how happy I was to have them around. So many good memories. So many fun times. Just kind caring people who were like family- better than family. We spent tons of time together and knew each others secrets. Bill made us laugh-a lot. His laugh was enough to set us off. I remember one Christmas when Becca was still a toddler that bill came to our house dressed as Santa. He looked great and convincing. Becca took one look and said, “Hi Bill.” He deflated and we all broke up. We played volleyball in the neighborhood and Bill hit a guy on the opposing team in the head so hard his hat and glasses and he went flying. What a hoot. Another time at one of our dinner and charades parties it was Bills turn. He threw himself across my living room and onto the floor. We thought he had a stroke. When he told us he was trying to mime “Splendor in the Grass” it was instant hysteria. I will miss Bill. Like the Readers Digest would write - He was an unforgettable character.
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Paula Hurley and family planted a tree in memory of William Lucas, IV
Sunday, May 11, 2025
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We are sorry for your loss, Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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A Memorial Tree was planted for William Lucas, IV
Sunday, May 11, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of William J. Lucas, IV uploaded a photo
Sunday, May 11, 2025
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