Lucio Delacalzada

May 6, 1926-September 26, 2019

Although quiet and soft-spoken about his activities during his military days, Lucio Delacalzada was a strong and proud member of the Underwater Demolition Teams 12 and 3 (UDT) and SEAL Team, that spanned 22 years in the United States Navy, including training at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado.

Lucio’s military citations often described his highly regarded actions as “daring initiative,” “zealous devotion to duty,” and “marked courage.” One citation noted, “Participating in night landings behind hostile lines throughout this period, Delacalzada unhesitatingly swam ashore to enemy-held beaches to ascertain the position and strength of hostile forces in the area. When it became apparent that the beaches were secure, he signaled the landing element and skillfully guided the boats ashore.” Lucio also received the Presidential Unit Citation to the First Marine Division, Reinforced, as set forth “For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces… In the face of a determined enemy and against almost insurmountable obstacles, including disadvantageous tidal and beach conditions… the First Marine Division, Reinforced, rapidly and successfully effected the amphibious seizure of Inch’on in an operation without parallel in the history of amphibious warfare.”

Lucio would continue to live an exemplary life of service volunteering at St. Charles Church. Serving in many capacities including the Church Sacristan, Lucio would always be seen at Church activities, including volunteering at the annual Bazaar where he would oversee preparing the meat for the popular Deep-Pit BBQ luncheon. He was a proud member of many of the Parish ministries including Holy Name Society, Eucharistic Ministers, and Cursillo, as well as supporting other groups as needed. Lucio would also help to drive the Priests and Nuns to various functions and appointments. He enjoyed Church fellowship by participating in events such as the Christmas Simbang Gabi and the annual Men’s retreat to the Benedictine Monastery. Lucio was a role model to his family as they would also volunteer at the Church: his sons and grandson were Altar Boys, his oldest son David served on the Parish’s Finance Committee, and his daughter Lisa served in the choir and as a Eucharistic Minister. In addition, both his wife Maria and daughter Lisa worked in the Church office and Catechetical Program.

Lucio’s devotion to his family and his faith were unwavering, and he held multiple jobs after he retired from the military, to ensure he provided for his family. Married to his beloved wife, Maria Luzviminda, until her death in 2007, Lucio and Maria had celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2003.

Lucio passed away peacefully September 26, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Lucio is survived by his children: David (Irma), Kathleen Grace, Richard (Noy), Christopher (Florica), and Melissa “Lisa”; and Grandchildren: Michael Anthony, Rachel Luzviminda Silvia (Chris), James (Deborah), Jessica (fiancé Matthew Salerno), Brandon, Nicole (fiancé Curtis Beard), Cassidy, David II, Sarita, and Billy and Tim Schuchard; and Great-Grandchildren: Forrest and River, and Aurora Luzviminda Silvia. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Maria Luzviminda Delacalzada, son Michael Delacalzada (Shelly Cole), infant daughter Christine Delacalzada, and grandson Matthew Camposagrado Delacalzada. NOTE: All of Lucio’s living children, grandchildren, and great-children will be in attendance at the Funeral Mass.

A visitation for Lucio will be held Friday, October 11, 2019 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at St. Charles Catholic Church, 990 Saturn Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92154. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 990 Saturn Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92154. Interment will occur Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, CA 92102.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.humphreymortuary.com for the Delacalzada family.