Fernando Horta Lucero

Fernando Horta Lucero, age 79, completed his life’s journey to be with the Lord on September 27, 2021. Fernando was born in Tucson, AZ on January 26, 1942. A loving son of Fernando C. and Eva Lucero.

Fernando’s Life Story

Humble beginnings…

Fernando grew up in the small mining town of Globe, Arizona, along-side of his five siblings. As the oldest child, he graduated as a Tiger at Globe High School. Shortly after graduating he followed his father’s footsteps and worked in the local copper mines. Although the work was hard and dangerous, he sacrificed to finance his way through college at Arizona State University. During his sophomore year, a beautiful young woman caught his attention after meeting her a couple years earlier. As ASU students, a hopeful romance began, and some time spent together involved driving Gloria Rodriguez to her hometown of Superior on his way to his hometown of Globe. After a year of dating Fernando proposed to the love of his life and the following year Fernando and Gloria were married in Superior on August 22, 1964.

Along came family…

Living a married life in Mesa, Arizona as a couple, along with their Great Dane would change quickly. In 1965, as they approached their one-year anniversary, they welcomed their first child, Lisa Marie. About one year later Fernando left the mines and began working as a Draftsman at Motorola, while continuing to pursue his bachelor’s degree. Although he may not have taken the traditional four-year path, he remained diligent in pursuing his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. In 1968, his first son, Benjamin Richard arrived. Gloria remained home full time to raise their two young children on his humble salary, while in school. To help Fernando complete his final semester of school, Gloria returned to the workforce in 1974 and Fernando made the final leap of full-time school to reach his ultimate goal. Then,1975 would reap many rewards! Lucas Paul was born, Fernando graduated from ASU, he accepted an engineering position at Air Research, and they would become a homeowner! Life on Eighth Avenue was wonderful. In 1979 the baby of the family, Erik Steven, was born and completed the last of the siblings. Shortly after, Gloria never returned to work and they enjoyed a very fruitful life through his career.

Special Accomplishments….

Fernando’s career started as a Mechanical engineer, he later transitioned into Aerospace engineering. After a successful career at Motorola, Fernando accepted a job at Air Research, which after several company acquisitions would become Honeywell. Some of his most treasured accomplishments included the highly classified U.S. Navy torpedo project and other high-level projects that took him around the world. Some of his travels included, New York, Washington DC, Singapore, Germany, India and more. A young man from a small town to an international traveler. Fernando loved his career, his life, but his most prized accomplishment was his family.

Other accomplishments that were profoundly fulfilling included the many hours of volunteer time working in his church doing the sound and music ministry, maintenance, Bible Quiz and bus ministry. He also devoted his leadership to Community Outreach Ministries, coaching sports, father/son Indian Y Guides and being present for all sporting events and music lessons/performances. He enjoyed sharing many annual traditions that included 20+ years to Flagstaff cabins, along with large family holiday gatherings. He took great pride in his home and opened it to many milestone gatherings that brought the family together to make beautiful memories. Not only were special celebrations made in his home, there were many temporary guests that lived with them as they went through their own life transitions.

Life After Retirement…

After 30 years with Honeywell, Fernando enjoyed several successful years self-employed as an Aerospace Engineering Consultant before permanently retiring. This is where he got to kick back and reap the benefits of his hard work to share much more time with the love of his life, his “Sugar Crumb” of 57 years. He also took a special interest investing time and stronger bonds each of his children, their spouses and all the grandchildren that came with the package. He took enormous pride in the strong marriage he maintained with his forever love, Gloria. He was a father known by his children to be forever present while employed, but even more so during retirement.

His Legacy…

Fernando touched more lives than he knew. He was analytical, intelligent and a respected professional. He was strong with a protector’s heart, genuine and compassionate, a generous and good provider. Kind eyes, and a warm hug, and example of a loyal friend. He was a Godly man, faithful husband, loving father, but his most distinguished and cherished title was “Grampy.”

Fernando was survived by his loving wife, Gloria, his four children Lisa (Dodge) Fernandez, Ben (Roseanne) Lucero, Lucas (Stacie) Lucero, and Erik (Niomi) Lucero, and Grampy to 19 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Brother to Vangie (Norbert) Yanez, Edward (Sandy) Lucero, Esther (Dave) Francis, Carmen (Danny) Salcido, and Mary Lucero and brother in law to Rufino (Alicia) Rodriguez, Johnny (Bobbi) Rodriguez, Debbie (Jim) Munden and Sam (Norma) Rodriguez.