Daniel Dominguez Lucero

Monterey -- Daniel D. Lucero died Aug. 4 at Carmel Hills Care Center surrounded by family. Born March 31, 1922, in Santa Rita, New Mexico, he was 90-years-old. Dan grew up in a family of farmworkers that traveled wherever the fields led them, learning important lessons along the way. Dan served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945 as a truck driver and sharpshooter, and fought in Normandy, France during World War II. He received several medals for his service. Dan later sang and played the guitar with Mariachi Monterey. In 1947 he married Virginia Alvarado on his birthday. He also worked as a clothing fitter at Fort Ord, retiring around the early 1980s. Driven by his love of nature and camping, Dan then volunteered at Lake San Antonio. Dan was also a staple around Cannery Row and the coastline, where he was known to ride his bicycle every morning. Monterey was his paradise. Dan is survived by his wife of 65-years, Virginia; brother Sam Lucero (Mary Ann); son Daniel J. Lucero (Kathy); and daughters Rebecca Bathurst (John); Rachel Lucero-Ailworth; and Rosalinda Asuncion (Roger); along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.