Posted: October 13, 2020
Felix L. "Luke" Lukezic, professor emeritus in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, died in late September at the age of 87.
Felix Lukezic
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Felix L. "Luke" Lukezic, professor emeritus in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, died in late September at the age of 87.
Born in Florence, Colorado, he is survived by his daughter, Susan Cascio (Scott), and sons Bret R. Lukezic (Luminita), Craig R. Lukezic (Francis) and John A. Warr (Amy). Surviving are grandchildren Mark, Henry and Lia Lukezic, Jordan and Shawn Segrist, Evan Cascio and Dillon and Austin Warr. He also is survived by sisters Phyllis Giem and Johanna Lukezic of Florence, Colorado. Also surviving is his companion of more than 25 years, Jean Hill, and her children and four grandchildren. Lukezic was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Arlene, his parents Felix Lukezic and Irene Wands Lukezic, and sister Kathlene Lukezic.
Lukezic joined the department in 1965 as an assistant professor of plant pathology, with a focus on research of bacterial and fungal diseases. He later became an associate professor in 1970 and then a professor in 1975. Lukezic retired from Penn State in 2000 as a professor emeritus. Prior to joining Penn State, he worked as an assistant plant pathologist for United Fruit Company and as a laboratory technician at the University of California.
He participated in more than 30 graduate student advisory committees and has contributed to more than 50 scientific articles. Lukezic received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Colorado State University, and his doctoral degree from the University of California.
Lukezic was involved in several committees during his time at the Penn State, including the University Faculty Senate and the Graduate Education Committee. He also was a member of Phi Sigma, the American Phytopathology Society and the American Society for Microbiology.
“Dr. Lukezic not only taught the students science, but he took them whitewater rafting and canoeing. He actively promoted a social interaction between faculty, staff and students," said David Beyer, professor of plant pathology. “As an older Ph.D. student, he mentored me as a committee member and as a fellow faculty member. I will fondly remember him as another one of the great plant pathology faculty members who made tremendous contributions to our science, to students and to our department."
The family of Lukezic will hold a memorial service in the spring for friends and family. Memorial trees may be purchased online in memory of Professor Lukezic.
