Romaldo Frank Lucero, Jr.

Romaldo “Lou” Lucero died at his home in Berkeley, California in the early hours of July 22, 2021. Lou was born on August 18, 1959, to Mary and Romaldo F. Lucero, Sr (both deceased) at DeWitt Army Hospital in Ft Belvoir, Virginia the second of four children.  He is survived by his children Donna Dowlen, Jason Lucero and Carla DiCarlo and husband Jason DiCarlo; his sisters and their spouses, Viola (Tom Nugent), Pixie (Mike Simmons), Nichole (Jesse Clear); his nieces Maddie and Ali; his nephews Bodhi and Nicholas; and his five grandchildren Khloe, Bubby, Jacob, Tanner and Amelia. His well lived life was steeped in contradictions: a first impression that displayed a rough exterior but that concealed a kind, warm and generous heart.

After high school, Lou joined the US Navy where he became an electrician and traveled to many parts of Europe.  He lived in Maryland after serving seven years in the Navy and held positions as an electrician for several companies in the Washington, D.C. metro area. He lived by the Chesapeake Bay and loved walks on the beach with his dog, Tasha. 13 years ago, he moved to Berkeley to be closer to family and began working in facilities for Flying Duck Incorporated, thanks to the introduction by his sister, Pixie. He became an independent contractor a few years ago and used his knowledge and experience of not only electrical work but also all-around skilled trades to serve several clients with all their facilities and maintenance needs.  Chief among his clients was La Note Restaurant. He enjoyed starting off his day by sharing a cup of coffee with La Note staff and good conversation with owner, Dorothee Mitrani.   Four years ago, he had a stroke and his desire to ignore medical issues caused him not to seek help until his son, Jason, drove him to the emergency room a day later.  He was very fortunate as he came out of the experience with little residual effects.  He was able to continue playing with his beloved, Harley also known as The Beast, and riding his much-weathered pick-up truck throughout the Bay Area, cultivating his crop of “medical” herbs, and sharing his life with his cat, Bubbles.  He was always willing to help with whatever task was at hand, whether for family, friends or passing acquaintances.  He loved the weather in Berkeley and always commented on how lucky he felt to be enjoying this beautiful area.  His passion for grilling and smoking meats was evident when he would gift you with a large quantity of his special jerky.  He enjoyed his music and was able to attend many live concerts of some of his favorite groups.  He did electrical work on three homes for his sister, Viola, and was just a phone call away whenever she, her husband, or other family members had questions about home repairs.

In the past year or so, he began experiencing serious health issues, although he chose to keep a lot of this to himself.  His joy, as his world became smaller, was outings with his devoted son, Jason, whether fishing, target practice or appreciating a meal at the Golden Corral. He treasured the special relationship that they enjoyed and felt very proud to be included with Jason and his friends on their various excursions.  He made many friends in Berkeley and the Bay Area and always relished relaxing with them and telling his tall tales.  He loved celebrating Thanksgiving with family at Viola’s and Christmas at Pixie’s.

When he experienced heart breaking moments, he turned to self-medication to hide those feelings from the world.  He always tried to keep a smile on his face and lived by the saying that everything happens for a reason. The reason he left us so soon is yet to be determined.

“We will never be the same as we were before this loss but are ever so much better for having had something so great to lose.”