Lucas "Mighty Robot Tiger Lucas" Rodney Ticola

Lucas Rodney Ticola, age 7, of Sarasota, Florida, brought joy, laughter, and a fearless, radiant spirit to everyone who knew him. Born on July 23, 2018, to his loving parents Andraya and Peter Ticola, Lucas was a star from the very beginning. Even before he was born, he was lovingly known as “Baby T,” and his gender reveal was celebrated at his parents’ wedding—just one of many joyful moments that marked his life.

From the start, Lucas stood out. He had the most infectious, unforgettable laugh—one that could light up a room and stay with you forever. He was funny, full of life, and had the most gentle heart, always knowing how to make others feel loved. Whether through warm hugs or his signature blown kisses with a big “mwah,” Lucas made everyone around him feel special. Affectionately known as Snugglebug, Munchkin, Bubba, Buddy, Beast, Snack Monster, Beautiful Boy, Sweet Boy, King Peanut, Lucasfur, and Mighty Robot Tiger Lucas.

Lucas loved his home, his people, and his pets. Although many thought he was the spitting image of his dad, Lucas was the perfect combination of both his parents. He shared so much of who he was with his mom. He had a gentle, empathetic heart and cared so much for others. He had a passion for animals and a natural gentleness with them, along with a planner’s mind, a night owl spirit, and just the right touch of feisty. He kept life exciting with his fearless climbing, running, and jumping—often giving his mom a few heart-stopping moments along the way, but always knowing she would be there to comfort him, help him find his breath, and fix any “boo-boos” with love.

With his dad, who was his greatest hero and favorite person, Lucas found endless fun and inspiration. He often said he wanted to grow up to be just like him. His dad encouraged his adventurous spirit and playful antics, always bringing laughter with endless jokes and silliness. Lucas shared his dad’s brilliance and curiosity, and their bond was filled with admiration, laughter, and love. They were truly the best of friends.

His dog Zeke was his loyal companion from infancy, later joined by his dog Willow and his cat Nick, who he adored just as much. In his final moments, they stayed close by his side, surrounding him with comfort, love, and protection.

Family and friend time meant everything to Lucas. Lucas was deeply loved —and he loved them just as deeply in return. He cherished time with his grandparents, parents, step-brother, furry siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Lucas formed profound and lasting friendships from a very young age. Many of his cousins and friends were like brothers and sisters to him, growing up side by side and sharing countless memories. They always showed him kindness, love, and support, especially during his illness.

Bright and incredibly smart, Lucas loved math and had an amazing ability to build and create. He was a master of Legos, Magnatiles, Transformers, and Tobots—so much so that he would watch YouTube tutorials in Korean for hours, determined to perfect his skills. He loved things to be in order and thrived on routine, always wanting to know “the plan” and be part of it.

Lucas found joy in so many things. He loved cookie decorating, arcades, trips to Target, and the excitement of Amazon packages arriving at the door. He loved wearing different hats and took pride in his hairstyle—famously known as “Lucas hair,” where no spiky hair was allowed.

He enjoyed watching Numberblocks, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Bluey, Paw Patrol, Daniel Tiger, and Mini Force. His favorite movies included Paw Patrol, Woody Woodpecker, Wall-E, Garfield, Sing 2, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He loved to dance and sing, with a music taste that ranged from The Beatles and Queen to fun favorites like the Gummy Bear song.

Lucas loved books, especially "The Book with No Pictures", "Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?", "All Better, Pete the Cat", and "Silly Lullaby". He was fascinated by dinosaurs and could name species that even adults couldn’t pronounce by the age of two.

Lucas had a soft spot for his stuffies—over 400 filled his world. His most cherished was “Puppy,” his companion since birth, which his parents still hold close each night. He also loved his Yoshis in every color and a crew of dog stuffies named “Dog,” “Lucas Dog,” “little puppy,” and “Doug.”

Food brought Lucas so much joy. He loved spaghetti and meatballs (always with extra Parmesan), Chick-fil-A, avocado, yogurt, hot dogs, mac and cheese, strawberries, and brownie bites. His favorite treats included M&M’s, lollipops, push pops, whipped cream, Superman ice cream, and PEZ.

Lucas lived life boldly. He was fearless—climbing, running, and jumping, always pushing boundaries while staying precise and steady on his feet. He practiced taekwondo, was a strong swimmer, and it was easy to imagine him one day becoming a gymnast.

Lucas attended All About Children preschool, Forty Carrots Summer VPK, and Southside Elementary School, where he completed kindergarten through second grade. Lucas was raised in the Catholic faith, attending Incarnation Church since he was a baby, loved Jesus, and prayed regularly with his family.

He loved traveling—taking his first flight at just two months old—and exploring places like Maine, Georgia, Alabama, Connecticut, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Boston, New Hampshire, and throughout Florida.

His most favorite place was home where he could surround himself with all his stuffies, his favorite toys, eat his favorite meals, and sit on “couchy”. Evenings were often spent playing Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros., creating cherished nightly traditions filled with laughter and competition.

On August 18, 2024, just one week after starting first grade, Lucas was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Throughout his journey, Lucas showed extraordinary strength, courage, and grace. Wise beyond his years, he handled everything that was thrown at him with remarkable resilience. He could recite the names of his medications and took them like a true champion.

He was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and Miami Cancer Institute, where he made lasting impressions on the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for him.

Even through the most difficult moments, Lucas remained a light. He often reassured those around him by saying, “I’m okay.” Though his illness took much, it never took his spirit. Each day and no matter how difficult Lucas and his family chose to create a world filled with faith, hope, joy, laughter, light, and love.

During his journey, Lucas created his superhero identity—Mighty Robot Tiger Lucas—a symbol of his strength, bravery, and the powerful light he carried within him. His story continues to inspire others, including the book Mighty Robot Tiger Lucas – Our Forever Hero by Celo MacTally, written in his honor. And his Facebook page with over 1,500 followers, “Love for Mighty Robot Tiger Lucas - DIPG Angel/Warrior”. He was also honored as one of Dick Vitale’s All Courageous Team.

After 16 months of courageous fighting, Lucas peacefully laid down his sword at home on December 16, 2025, at 7:43 a.m., surrounded by his family and beloved pets.

Lucas was preceded in death by his grandmother Margaret Ticola, grandfather Victor Ticola, grandmother Ellen Ticola, and his beloved cat Bella.

He is survived by his loving parents, Andraya and Peter Ticola of Sarasota, Florida; his stepbrother, Isaiah Davis of Orlando, Florida; his maternal grandparents, Diane “Mimi” (Jim “PapPap”) White of Bradenton, Florida, and Rod “Papa” (Maureen “Noni”) Taliento of Bradenton, Florida; his godfather, Frank Taliento of Bradenton, Florida, his godmother, Kesia Milhomem of Bradenton, FL, his aunts and uncles, Matt (Daphne) Ticola of Huntsville, Alabama; Mark (Wendy) Ticola of Birmingham, Alabama; Maggy (Adam) Bibi of Darien, Connecticut; Cara Fern of Greenville, South Carolina; and Steven Longo of West Virginia; his beloved cousins, Aidan, Evan, Joel, Benjamin, Owen, Avery, Chloe, William, Ethan, Olivia, Kaia, and Oliver. And many extended family members, “bonus” grandparents, dear friends, and a community who rallied around him and showered him with love and support.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Southside Elementary, Incarnation Church, the DIPG/DMG community, cancer foundations, the doctors and nurses that treated him, his teachers, and all family and friends for their unwavering love and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 15th from 5:00–9:00 p.m. at The Venue @ LEC located at 3650 17th Street Sarasota, FL 34235. A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, May 16th at 10:00 a.m. at Incarnation Catholic Church located at 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239 followed by a light reception. Burial and a reception will follow for invited guests at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park.

Guests are encouraged to wear bright colors or anything Lucas loved—such as Mario Kart, Yoshi, Super Smash Bros., dinosaurs, UF Gators, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Legos, Transformers, Tobots, Mini Force, dogs, cats, robot tigers, Paw Patrol, Spider-Man, Bluey, or Garfield—in celebration of his joyful spirit.

In honor of Lucas and to help make a difference for other children and families facing DIPG, Lucas’ brain was donated through Gift from a Child, where researchers are able to access his tissues to advance their work. A record is kept of how his donation contributes to ongoing research and discovery. No family should endure this disease; no child should have to endure DIPG. Donating his brain, fluids, and tissues was one way his parents continue carrying Lucas’ mighty light forward. They have also donated two wagons full of toys during the holidays to Ronald McDonald House Charities in St. Petersburg, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the foundation the family is in the process of building - The Mighty Light of Lucas Foundation (www.mightylightoflucas.org) or other childhood cancer organizations near and dear to their hearts such as Payton Wright Foundation, ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, The Cure Starts Now, The M Foundation, Live Like Bella Foundation, Noah Brave, Sara’s Light, Jeremiah’s Legacy, The V Foundation, and Chase The Victory.

Lucas taught us how to love deeply, laugh often, and shine light even in the darkest moments. Conquer each day with faith, hope, joy, laughter, light, and love. His light will never fade—it will continue to shine in all of us. He will forever be our hero.

Hi everyone… it’s me, Lucas. I’m okay. Keep shining your light, loving big, being kind, and making people smile. I love you forever and I’m by your side always - in your heart. Mwahhhhhhh.