David James Lucio

David J. Lucio was born in Hanford, California September 21, 1943 to the late Manuel and Carrie (Gomes) Lucio. He passed peacefully in his home Saturday December 11, 2021 at 2:20 PM. Age 78. David was the middle of three sons raised in Tulare, California. He and his older brother Ronnie grew up only 1 year apart in school, sounds like double trouble. They were a staple in the Tulare Advanced-Register newspaper for their many achievements in Little League and Redskins sports at Tulare Union. David was a state champion wrestler as a freshman and played a star role on the TUHS football and baseball teams. Shortly after graduation he married his longtime lovely HS sweetheart Marilyn Long. David worked hard from a very young age. It was a way of life for all three of those Lucio boys, work hard and play hard. An intriguing desire to pursue the Hay/Dairy industry even further led him and his little family to southern California (Chino) where he trained in Hay purchases and sales. In 1968 he made his way back to Tulare County and founded Lucio Hay Company. This was his passion, he worked with Alfalfa Hay for the better part of 6 decades. This ever so charismatic man had other loves, MANY genuine old and new friends, and the biggest zest for life (9 of them) which is apparent by his so many unique hobbies. He loved people, entertaining (designating seating arrangements and holding court at the head of the large glass table), horse races, fine dining, traveling, spontaneity, gin rummy, wine, the days of the season tickets for the dodgers (he hated the dodgers but he loved baseball in the Pete Rose and Johnny Bench era, it was the closest MLB field plus he loved hotels and dining in L.A. ), NFL Football, basketball, teaching his three wives how to be the most incredible gourmet cooks, taking day trips, too many interests to mention. David had an indelible love for his family and friends. He was a caring and giving person. You didn't need to be family or even necessarily a friend to experience his gracious unsolicited kindness or help. On 10-10-10 he began a new journey when he married Daffodil. She gave him a spunky new outlook (after the loss of Mary Catherine) and dedicated much of herself to making him rally and heal when he experienced rough spots. He experienced so much joy with his journey of getting his step-daughters Faith and Faye here from the Philippines and seeing life in America through their eyes. His heart was fullest when those he loved dearly were happy. He was at peace knowing that all of his children, grand-children and great grand-children were all doing well in their worlds. The attributes David may best be remembered for will likely be his courage, strength and perseverance. He is preceded in death by his parents, second wife Mary Catherine Lucio, sister-in-law Cheri Lucio. He is survived by his wife Daffodil Lucio. Brothers Ronnie Lucio (Gloria) and Donnie Lucio. Children, Debbie Lucio Phillips (Jim), Mark Lucio (Heather) and Jovina Lucas. Extended children, Faith Peral and Faye Peral (Peter and daughter Luna). Grand-children Lacey Kerr (John and daughters Katie and Millie), Taylor Theis (Will), Dax Theis (Brenja and children Radley and Auzora) and Olivia Lucio. Extended grand-children Brent, Jenna, Morgan, Jackson and Abigail Phillips. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and BEST-BEST Friends!! There will be a Celebration of Life service held at Koetsier Ranch 8230 Avenue 272 Visalia, Ca 93277, at 11:30am on Saturday January 8th Remembrances may be made in lieu of flowers to one of David's favorite charities, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 201 Sandpointe Ave #300 Santa Ana, Ca. 92707 or Foodlink for Tulare County, Inc. 611 2nd Street Exeter, Ca. 93221. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

David James Lucio

September 21, 1943 - December 11, 2021