John H. Lucas, a successful businessman and real estate developer who built one of the largest manufactured home developments in New Jersey, died Saturday at the age of 94.

Banking and Insurance were two spheres that interested Mr. Lucas initially. He worked his way up to Vice President at First National Bank of Jersey City by the early 1950’s, which lead to an offer from the Pearson Insurance Agency in Pitman, NJ in 1956.  From there he opened Modern Finance in Maple Shade, NJ.

After selling Modern Finance he opened Nationwide Mobile Homes in Williamstown, NJ in 1960 and real estate became the third sphere of interest.  What started as a 50 site development turned into 650 sites by 1985.  He also built Trader’s Lane Shopping Center adjacent to the development.  During his time at Nationwide Mobile Homes, Mr. Lucas also developed properties at the South Jersey shore, including Stone Harbor Beach Club.

In 2003, he partnered with his son and was instrumental in developing Sunny Estates, a manufactured housing development in Williamstown, NJ.

John Howard Lucas was born in Jersey City, NJ on November 11, 1927.  He was entrepreneurial from a young age and this spirit served him well for the rest of his life. After graduating high school he was drafted into the Army-Air Force in 1945.  He served in Special Services, as a musician, at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and was discharged in 1947.  It was then that he met the former Patricia A. Dunn, also of Jersey City, and they were married February 4, 1951. His marriage to Patricia of 71 years was the crowning achievement of his life.  They had four children and 2 grandchildren together and made a family life full of joy and happiness.

In addition to Mr. Lucas’ rich family and business life he served on the board of Kennedy Healthcare System of South Jersey for 32 years.  He was chairman of Kennedy Healthcare Foundation for 6 years. He was chairman of Kennedy Healthcare System for 6 years.  He was also chairman of Kennedy Long Term Care Facility for 12 years.  He was an instrumental part of the expansion of the Kennedy Healthcare System in South Jersey.  In 2011 Mr. Lucas was a Kennedy Beacon Award winner.  In 2012 he was bestowed the honor of Board Member Emeritus.

Mr. Lucas was also on the board of the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority for 10 years.  He served as Vice Chairman for 5 years.  He also served as Chairman of the grand opening of the new convention center in 1997.

He was a creative force and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia (nee Dunn). Loving father of John A. Lucas, Laura A. Lucas Ragone (Dr. Daniel Ragone), Audrey P. Lucas and Lynne M. Lucas (James Staskel). Devoted grandfather of Lauryn Patricia Ragone and Daniel John Ragone. Dear brother of Thomas Tuzzolino (Fran). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Carolyn Plummer and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday 10:00 – 11:30 am, at St. Charles Borromeo RC Church, 176 Stagecoach Rd., Washington Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 11:45 am. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park, Washington Twp.