David Joseph Lucero

LUCERO, DAVID David Lucero, son of Ann Chavez Lucero and the late Gabriel Lucero, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He retired after a teaching career that included work with APS and charter schools - often making use of his advanced training in the field of special education. He always put the needs of his students ahead of all else. Brilliant with words and lightning fast in repartee, response or humor, he could be sparkingly smart and funny in company or incisive and persuasive in serious discussion or debate. Always there to help others in need, David seemed meticulous about not wanting to impose or become a burden when he needed anything for himself. Friends will always remember and be inspired by his efforts to help others who were in need or who were down on their luck. He willingly did whatever he could to help those who found themselves the underdog in difficult circumstances. He was not afraid to speak up or pitch in to come to the assistance of anyone faced with injustice. An admirer of Thomas Jefferson, David also seemed to have sworn endless opposition to any form of tyranny over the human mind. He was likewise persistent in doing everything possible to cope with or overcome his last illness. Cancer that had been diagnosed and treated in 2008 was at first considered to be in full remission. But, sadly, his cancer recurred last year and spread, while David did all that he could to cooperate with caregivers and to reassure those around him. Those who loved David and cherished his special gifts to the world are grateful to his care team and the staff of Hospice of the Sandias. David's life will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 2014 at FRENCH - University. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make contributions in memory of David Lucero to New Mexico Legal Aid, www.nmlegalaid.org or to Catholic Charities of New Mexico, www.ccasfnm.org . Please visit our online guestbook for David at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505-843-6333