Dino R. Lucchesi

February 5, 1934 - October 24, 2020

Last October, in the middle of a global pandemic and while much of the world stood still, it lost an incredible man full of remarkable stories.

Dino R. Lucchesi, our beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, passed away on October 24, 2020 at the age of

86. After spending five days in the hospital dictating a to-do list from his bed, like sending his wife to get new tires on the car Friday morning, he razzed his nurse with one final sarcastic quip and passed away in the blink of an eye because honestly, he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Dino was a lifetime Marin County resident, born in Inverness Park, and spent part of his childhood on an artichoke farm with his father Romolo and mother Emilia Lucchesi, and six siblings.

Dino served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he became the baker for the officer’s mess hall after being injured on the front lines. As he told it, his role in the officer’s mess hall was earned after they dined with their men and found out there were better desserts to be had. One time when he was required to perform policy duty while his cream pies were in the oven, he tried to get out of it because his pies were in the oven. His request was denied, but one flick of the wrist on the oven dials as he headed out the door ensured they’d burn and he’d never have to do that again. As another story goes, after returning home, he and his sister Pia tried cutting the donut recipe down to make a small batch of donuts - but things didn’t go as planned, and they had enough donuts for much of Pt. Reyes Station.

Dino married the love of his life, Sheryl, in 1970 and they settled into Fairfax, CA where they raised their daughter, Stephanie. Throughout their 50 years of marriage, they enjoyed many adventures, including camping, hunting, and fishing in remote parts of Northern California, as well as boating at Antelope Lake. They loved to “go for a ride” or a road trip, and often visited Dino’s hometown in West Marin, traveled to Southern California, and to the Midwest to visit National Parks, family, and friends.

Beyond his military service, Dino built custom homes with his father-in-law and spent eight years serving the Town of Fairfax as part of the Department of Public

Works before taking a job with the Marin County Fire Department as their Heavy Fire Equipment Mechanic, caring for hundreds of engines, ambulances, and heavy road equipment. The Woodacre Fire House and MCFD became a second family to him. So much so that if you were in his shop and not following his rules, he’d have no problem kicking you out. He was an exceptional mechanic and was often sent out of the county for large wildland fires. A favorite story he liked to share was the time he got a truck going again just in time for the firefighters and him to drive their rigs out through the flames. There were also many MCFD camping trips filled with giant campfires and hours of storytelling. Dino retired from the fire department after 20 years of service.

After retirement, Dino enjoyed spending his time with his grandson, Justin. They shared Friday morning donuts, afternoons at little league or basketball practice, weekends filled building a new contraption or playing ball. Dino was proudest when he watched Justin accomplish something new and graduate from college.

In life, Dino didn’t get it all right, but he knew that, and for those that understood that was enough. He worked hard, provided for his family, and always wanted the best for them.

Anyone who knew Dino knows he had a fantastic sense of humor, quick wit, sarcastic tongue, and a ton of stories to share. He knew more about Marin County than most, enjoyed a good time, and loved his family fiercely. If he was giving you a hard time, it’s because he liked you. His one-liners and jabs could make you mad and laugh, all at the same time - and his laughter could fill a room. You also knew he could be tough, had exacting standards, and would “give ‘em hell” if needed. To some, he was

affectionately known as Captain Cranky Pants, their Favorite Mean Italian, and most importantly, Papa Bear.

Dino is survived by his wife Sheryl; children Rita Holder (Dixon, CA), Dino Lucchesi (St. Paul, MN), Robert Lucchesi (Bolingbrook, IL), and Stephanie Lucchesi (Corte Madera, CA); grandchildren Cindy, Carol, Alex, Cody, Justin, Jenifer, and Kathleen; and great-grandchildren Shelby, Jay, Tyler and Ashley; and great-great-grandchild Corey; and brother Gino Lucchesi. Dino was predeceased by both of his parents, and siblings Irene Tiani, Guido Lucchesi, Pietro Lucchesi, Pia Davis, and Mario Lucchesi.

If you’d like to honor Dino, please consider donating to the Dino Lucchesi Memorial Fund at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital: http://giftfunds.stjude.org/dinolucchesi, an organization he believed deeply in.

If you’d like to share stories, photos, and memories Dino, please visit the Dino Lucchesi Memorial Page Facebook Groups. of

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