John K. Lucas

John is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ellen Lucas; loving son, John (Jennifer) Lucas; cherished grandchildren, Jack, Charlie, and Ben; siblings, Charlotte Sorci, Mark (Marce) Lucas, and David (Lindy) Lucas; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Born and raised on Chicago's West Side, John was proud of his Catholic education at Fenwick High School, followed by an electrical engineering degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. While working full time at Commonwealth Edison, he pursued his law degree through DePaul University’s J.D. evening program and graduated with honors.

He had a distinguished, 40-year career as an intellectual property attorney and litigator, serving as Senior Partner and General Counsel at the former Brinks Gilson & Lione law firm, where he advised Schwinn Bicycle, Wrigley Gum, Intermatic, among others, on patent law. At the firm, he served as a trusted mentor, friend, and leader. As an experienced patent attorney, he returned to DePaul Law as an adjunct faculty member.

His greatest accomplishments involved his faith, family and community. He deeply believed in supporting friends, family and countless people whom he never had the chance to meet. Upon retirement, he took on pro bono work fighting evictions on behalf of tenants and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of DuPage County, where he served as a crew leader and home builder, taking on work far beyond the capacity of most 80-year-olds. He spent the last two decades helping those facing medical and financial challenges through the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Our Lady of the Wayside Parish, where he served as treasurer. He believed every day was a gift from God to be spent helping the people around him.

His most important roles were husband, father, grandfather, and godfather, and John was the sun at the center of their universe.

After meeting Mary during a lucky encounter at a beach party at the Indiana Dunes, they were inseparable for more than 50 years, and they loved spending time in the Galena and Shullsburg, Wis. countryside, along with travels around the U.S. and world. At every opportunity, he shared stories about his son John and his family and treasured the time he spent with them.

He was Papa to Jack, Charlie and Ben. He took them on memorable trips and filled the ordinary visits with card games, favorite treats and small traditions that were theirs alone. He was present on the river’s edge for rowing regattas, in the courtroom for mock trials, and on the sidelines for ridiculously cold lacrosse and soccer games.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Our Lady of the Wayside St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. An additional visitation will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Our Lady of the Wayside, 434 W. Park St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, beginning at 10 a.m. until time of the funeral mass, which will begin at 11 a.m. also at Our Lady of the Wayside. Interment private.