Dennis Ray Lucas, 70, always hoped he would be on his bike when his time came to exit this life – a place where he felt the most free, like he was flying. While that wish didn’t quite come true, he did get the next best thing when he passed away unexpectedly on December 20, 2024, in Naples, Florida, with his loving wife, Catherine, holding his hands.
A staunch believer in the mental and physical benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle, Dennis absolutely loved bicycling with Catherine and a close group of friends. You can imagine his disappointment to learn in his final days that a family history of cardiovascular disease had reared its ugly head. His doctors told him he was the healthiest heart patient they ever saw, and his dedication to fitness undoubtedly had extended his life.
Born December 14, 1954, in Georgetown, Ohio, to the late Raymond and Marjorie (Keller) Lucas, Dennis was able to enjoy a surprise 70th birthday party arranged by Catherine less than a week before his passing. He described the gathering as the best birthday he ever had.
Dennis had (at least) two superpowers: a gentleness emanating from his eyes that immediately put those around him at ease and a keen intellect that delivered a mastery of dental science as well as his favorite art form, the pun. Ah yes, he was an advanced practitioner of the pun, and proud of it. In fact, the louder the groan from his audience, the better, and you had better be prepared to keep up when he got on a roll.
Those slate blue eyes gave Dennis an unfair advantage when it came to attracting Catherine’s attention when they first met nearly 25 years ago. They were the window to his soul, and it didn’t take long for the new couple to recognize the undeniable divine spark they shared. Their connection was obvious even to casual observers, as evidenced by a waiter commenting on “the buzzing electrical loop” between them on one of their first dates. Catherine describes their daily interactions as a conversational adventure, covering topics ranging from daily events to deep philosophical and spiritual realms. They truly are each other’s soulmates.
Dennis’s dental practice was a significant part of his identity. He took great satisfaction in working with his team to provide top-notch services for patients in his Naples office since 1987. His consistent pursuit of professional development ensured his patients would benefit from the most up-to-date techniques. A leader by example, Dennis remained true to himself and encouraged that spirit in others, including his office crew who were like family. As such, these wonderful coworkers plan to leverage Dennis’s spirit and continue his legacy of excellence going forward.
The Lucas family moved from Ohio to Schwenksville, Pa., just north of Philadelphia, when Dennis was 13. His college journey began at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he graduated magna cum laude and earned induction into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor fraternity. He received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh and served several associateships in Allentown, Pa.
Dennis’s post-doctoral training included advanced dental education at the L.D. Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Fla., as well as extensive work with The Schuster Center for Professional Development, and numerous continuing education courses. He was a past president of the Collier County Dental Association and loved volunteering his time at the Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife and favorite fitness partner, Catherine; sisters Sandra Stuedtner (Udo) and Paula Winstel; nieces Jaclyn Lucas Steudtner-Colabraro (Richard) and Jenna Lucas Steudtner Boromei (Julio); nephews Matt Winstel and Doug Winstel; grandnephews Will Lucas Steudtner-Colabraro and Lio Boromei, and grandnieces Aurora Boromei, Noelani Goulding, Krystal Winstel and Stephanie Winstel. Dennis’s kind spirit also made him a great buddy for his three boys, cats Gizmo, Sammy and Sky, who gave him such joy and comfort.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108. Interment will be immediately following the service.
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