George John Luciani passed away peacefully at his home on Butter Creek surrounded by his family on June 23, 2017.
He was born on Oct. 2, 1925 in Echo in a Union Pacific section house to Giovanni “John” and Rosina Dimico Luciani.
He was raised and attended school in Echo, where he excelled at basketball. He graduated from Echo High School in 1943, and a year later he enlisted in the United States Army. During that time, he met the love of his life, Beatrice Haugen, a sweet Norwegian girl from South Dakota, whom he was introduced to by his sister Carmelita and her husband Fiore Borghese. After basic training at Camp Roberts, he and Beatrice were married Feb. 4, 1945 in Pendleton. He served in the Philippines at an Army hospital and later was sent to Japan, where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Shortly afterward, he was honorably discharged and returned to Echo.
His love of farming started 70 years ago when he was working for local farmers. A lease partnership was formed with Leo Ashbeck in Pine City until he purchased his own farm in 1965, which is still located on Butter Creek.
Committed to the community, George was active in many activities and organizations over the years, including the Morrow County Fair and Rodeo Board. He was honored as Grand Marshall in 1990. He was involved in various community activities: member of the Echo School Board, an Echo Quarterback Club founding member, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Heppner Elks Lodge, Oregon Wheat Growers Association, Morrow County Grain Growers, McNary Yacht Club charter member, and longtime member of the Lutheran Church.
His hobbies included rockhounding, motorcycles, fishing, hunting and boating. He lit up whenever friends and family would visit. The hospitality abounded, no matter who walked into the room. He absolutely cherished time with his family and supported the numerous activities of his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Beatrice “Bea” Luciani, Echo; daughters, Karla Anderson (Doug), Sheila Cozad (Bob), and Patty Matheny; son, John H. Luciani (Karen); 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren with one more to come any day; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Carmelita Borghese, Dorothy Brown and Marion Hibbard; beloved niece, Pam Haugen Fishman; and son-in-law, David Matheny.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 485 W. Locust Ave. in Hermiston.
Burial with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Echo Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in George’s memory to the Echo Historical Society or Vange John Hospice Veterans Honor Program, in care of Burns Mortuary, P O Box 289, Hermiston.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
