Ferdinand John Luciano, Jr.

Fred was born on April 26, 1937 in New York City. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Fordham University, was a graduate of ROTC, and a graduate of Pilot Training Group 60 FOXTROT becoming a B-52 Command pilot for the United States Air Force, and later the Chief of the Central Flight Instructors Course (CFIC), at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California.

He flew 200 combat missions over Vietnam throughout his distinguished 25-year career and was awarded numerous medals, ribbons, and commendations. Among them are 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and many others.

He was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. He, his father, and his uncle owned a peanut kiosk and sold peanuts at Yankee Stadium in the 1950’s. He loved golfing, going to the pub with friends and most of all flying. His mind was brilliant. History, politics, the military, and baseball were a few of his favorite subjects. He was extremely quick witted and funny. Above all, was his heartfelt respect and unwavering love for his country.

Fred is preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Maureen Carroll Luciano, his sister, Rachel Jost, and his parents, Ferdinand and Rose Luciano.

Fred is survived by his brother, Alfred “Chicky” (Dorothy) Luciano, 2 nephews, 3 nieces, his children: Gerilyn (Jeff) Castle, Donna (Tom) Rodgers, Linda (Troy) Lindenberg, Steven (Shawna) Luciano, Joanne Luciano, their mother, Dorothy “Midge” Cameron, and 6 grandchildren: Jason (Antonia) Garcia, Steven Garcia, Brian Lindenberg, Jennifer Thomas, Steven Luciano and Kristin Luciano. He is also survived by his step-son, Michael (Denise) Wilkes and Michael’s son, Ray Wilkes.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, February 25, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Murphy Funeral Homes, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203, Tel # 703-920-4800. Lieutenant Colonel Ferdinand John Luciano will be laid to rest the following day at 1:00 pm in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.