Death Notice: Michael Lucey

Michael Lucey, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at home on the evening of June 30, 2016.

Mike or Mick, as he was known, was born the seventh of nine children to Jeremiah and Margaret Lucey along the Old Road, Ballyduane in Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland. He went to work at the tender age of 14 for various farmers. Mick came to America for the first time in 1949 at the age of 24. He worked as a sheepherder in Lakeview, Oregon for eight years before returning to Ireland and purchasing his own farm. He went back and forth between Ireland and Oregon and settled in San Francisco, where he was known in the Irish-American community for playing the button accordion; providing music, song and dance wherever he went. He worked for the Presidio Army Golf Course. He married his sweetheart, Mary, and they had two daughters. The family moved to Modesto in 1979, where Mick worked for Oakdale High School and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church as a groundskeeper. He enjoyed the game of golf and spending time on the golf course with countless friends, both here and in Ireland. He loved to play Irish music and share songs, recitations and jokes with anyone who would listen. Along with his daughters and friends, The Mick Lucey group performed for many years, promoting traditional music, most notably for the President of Ireland, at both the Calaveras and Sonora Celtic Fairs, the International Festival in Modesto and on radio and television in Ireland. In fact, a book was published about his sheepherding days. He was invited to share his music and storytelling at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada and the Trailing of the She

ep in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Mick had a great faith. For many years, he attended daily Mass and spent time in adoration of the Blessed Eucharist each night. He prayed for anyone who asked him to and was devoted to Our Lady, reciting the rosary several times per day. He has left a legacy of faith, and we commend his spirit into the hands of Our Lord. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in Thee.
He leaves behind his devoted and beloved bride, Mary (Neligan), his daughters, Michelle Frey and Erin Lucey Dineen, his sons-in-law, Wil Frey, Jestin Dineen, his thirteen grandchildren (Mary, Maggie, Michael, Brigid, Brendan, Kathleen, Hannah, Siobhán and Lucy Frey and Bernadette, Elizab

eth, Julia and James Patrick Dineen), his dear sisters Julia Dunne and Mary O’Connell, both of Ireland, along with many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers; John, Patrick, Jeremiah and Denis, and sisters; Hannah and Margaret.
Visitation to be held Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 7pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1813 Oakdale Road in Modesto. Rosary following at 7:30pm. Funeral Mass at noon on Friday, July 8, 2016 at St. Joseph’s with burial at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, immediately following.

– See more details at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/modestobee/obituary.aspx?n=michael-lucey&pid=180570903&fhid=18471

Michael Lucey (December 4, 1924 – June 30, 2016) is the sister of Julia Dunne who lives in Dromagh and his other living sister lives in Ballyclough – with thanks to Jestin for letting us know.