Obituary of Lucas J. Zaballos

August 14, 1924 – October 21, 2017

Lucas Zaballos passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 21, after spending hours of time with beloved family members, reminiscing about his long and productive life. He was greatly loved and he will be missed.

Lucas was born and raised in Hayward, California. He graduated from Hayward High School in January, 1942. He worked for a brief time as an apprentice machinist at the Alameda Naval Air and Repair Station prior to entering the Army in 1943. Lucas served with distinction and was tremendously proud of his service to his country. He served with the 119th Anti-Aircraft and Field Artillery "D", working as a loader on the 90mm gun. The 119th trained on England's west coast and Lucas landed in Normandy Beach on July 8, 1944, with the First Army Division. On August 1, 1944 the 119th became part of General Patton's Third Army. That unit was awarded six battle stars. At the end of the war Lucas was serving in Munichen, Germany and was discharged in January 1946.

Upon returning home, Lucas entered the retail meat business. He met Evelyn Santos at a dance in Newark, California. She was the love of his life and they married June 6th, 1948.

In June 1951 Lucas enrolled at the National School of Meat Cutters and Management in Toledo Ohio. Returning home to Newark, he became a partner in a meat market business. That same year, he and Evelyn purchased the apartments and cottage at the corner of Eastcliff Drive and First Avenue here in Santa Cruz. They moved there in 1955 and spent the rest of their lives in Santa Cruz.

Lucas was a proud and active member of the Santa Cruz Lions Club for over 38 years. He served in several chairmanships and as president, and then for a year as District Governor.

Lucas and his brother Ronnie (Ronald R. Zaballos) were the proprietors of Zs' Select Vintage Wines and Spirits. Fondly known by all as "Zs' Liquors", they had two stores, one on Portola Drive and one on Mission Street. Together they also owned Zs' properties.

Lucas was pre-deceased by his brother Ronnie., and his parents Mike and Theresa. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Evelyn; his sister in law Geri Zaballos; and his sister Lydia (Nippy) Stanton. Although Lucas and Evelyn were not blessed with children, they were very close to their nephew Michael (wife Ariadne ) and nieces Theresa (husband Bruce and their son and daughter-in-law Mitchell and Nicole) and Laurie (husband Ric and sons Ronald J "R.J." and Sal) , as well as nieces Luanne, Vivianne, MaryJane, Susie and Diane; and nephews Richard and Johnny.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday November 6 at 11:00 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, (515 Frederick Street in Santa Cruz, 95062). He will be laid to rest with military honors following the mass, at Santa Cruz Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, Lucas would appreciate donations to Santa Cruz Omega Nu Scholarship Foundation or your personal charity.