Darlene Frances Lucio

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Darlene Lucio announces her passing on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the age of 90. She passed peacefully at home in Redondo Beach and is now reunited with her lifelong love, Robert Lucio. Darlene was born on March 18, 1935 in Redondo Beach, CA to Leonard Scheiber and Frances Leonte-Scheiber. Darlene was proudly the fourth generation of Leontes to call Redondo Beach home. She graduated from Leuzinger High School in 1952 and two weeks later, was whisked away to Yuma, AZ to attend a friend’s wedding. While there, she and her high school sweetheart, Bob, decided to get married as well. Their lives were filled with adventure and love, and they were proud parents of Pamela, Denise, and Craig.

While Darlene was a young mother to her three children, her love and warmth extended to many more. Darlene served as a foster mother to a number of children in need and was President of the Redondo Beach Sister Cities program with La Paz and Ensenada, Mexico. She also worked as a volunteer at the Sybil Brand Institute (women’s jail) in Monterey Park, CA. For her dedication to the community, Darlene was honored as Redondo Beach Woman of the Year. Darlene made sure that the Lucio home was a welcoming place for family, friends and neighbors throughout her life.

In 1984, Darlene and Bob opened The Old Barn Restaurant in Oakhurst, CA. The restaurant was a huge success due, in large part, to the incredible hospitality that Darlene brought to the Barn every night. With live music, country attire, homestyle cooking and legendary apple pies made from their apple orchard, Darlene loved her days hosting crowds and making memories at the restaurant.

After the restaurant closed in 1991, Bob and Darlene spent their time square dancing, gambling in Las Vegas and enjoying their family. Las Vegas truly was Darlene’s happy place. For her children and grandchildren, the 21st birthday trip to Vegas with Gram was a milestone that they all cherished.

After Bob passed away in 2018 after 65 years of marriage, Darlene could often be found sitting on her front porch, visiting with neighbors, postal workers, and anyone else who stopped in for a chat. Her warm smile and infamous laugh touched the hearts of so many. From her children’s elementary school teachers to distant relatives, she sent over 500 birthday cards annually, always celebrating the special people in her life.

Darlene will forever be remembered by her children Pam, Denise (Ray), and Craig (Vinka), her seven grandchildren, Brian (Julianna), Jacob (Colleen), Cory (Isabel), Amber, Chelsea (Patrick), Carley and Eric (Ashley) and eight great grandchildren, Lucas, Logan, Jazmine, Juliette, Abigail, Celeste, Evelyn, and Nathan.

The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 18 at 11:00am at Lighthouse Memorials, White & Day Center, 901 Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.