Emerson R. Lucas

Emerson R. Lucas, 97, passed peacefully surrounded by family on August 23, 2026. Born on March 10, 1929, in the Jersey Pines, Birmingham, NJ. He later moved to Riverside in 1943 and graduated from Riverside High School in 1948. Shortly afterward, he joined the Army Air Corps and served his country during the Occupation of Japan and the Korean War, including service in Okinawa, Guam, Iwo Jima, Tokyo, and Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1952.
In 1953, he married his beloved wife, Anna D’Attilio, and together they raised three children, Kathleen, Patricia, and Robert.
His life was defined by service. He spent 34 years with the U.S. government and CAA/FAA as an Air Traffic Controller. He was also a longtime member and leader of the Riverside Fire Company and Emergency Squad, serving as Captain and President.
He dedicated countless years to the Riverside community, supporting youth programs, Boy Scouts, local athletics, the Planning Board, and the Riverside Historical Society. He was a longtime member and leader of American Legion Post #146, serving twice as Commander and dedicating many years to the Boys State program and Riverside’s Memorial Day Parade. He also supported the VFW and DAV.
For decades, he gave his time, leadership, and heart to his community. Through every chapter of his life, his greatest support came from Anna, his wife and lifelong partner, and their children.
Luke is predeceased by his parents Emerson Nixon and Eleanor Fisher Lucas, his son Robert (Bobby), and his niece Cynthia.
He leaves behind a legacy of service, patriotism, family, and love for his community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.
His greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind and the love that will continue from one generation to the next.
Forever our Dad- Kathleen (Ron), Patty (Lee)
Forever our PopPop Luke- Alyssa, Domenic (Oki), Nick, Mike (Kate), Amanda (Blaine)
Forever our Great-Grandpop- Sequoya, Essiyah, Amir, Blaine Jr, Domenic, Shane, Logan, Ky’mani, Me’lyan
He is survived by his brothers Gordon (Linda), Melvin (Elsa), Dale (Betz), nieces Eileen, Carrie, Lisa, nephews Shannon and Zachary and devoted sister-in-law Kathy Ramsay. And a number of cousins and pseudo-grandchildren far and wide.

Service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday August 26, at 10 am at Cambridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, 255 E Main Street, Moorestown NJ 08057. Inurnment will be held on Friday August 28 at 930 am at Monument Cemetery, Beverly NJ.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The Palmyra Moravian Church, 1921 Cinnaminson Ave, Palmyra NJ 08077, and The Boy Scout Troop 25 Delran, 1523 Perkins Lane, Edgewater Park NJ 08010. C/O Peter Hagarty

Dijobi & Domo arigato
(大丈夫 / だいじょうぶ) (どうもありがとう)