We have been honored to call these men our Brothers. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brothers.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:

James S. Lucas ‘55 - May 25, 2021
Robert M. Spinazzola ‘56 - Dec. 22, 2021

James Stanley Lucas, 87, of Bloomington, IL passed away peacefully on May 25, 2021 at Heritage Health located in Normal, IL.

Jim was born on September 12, 1933 in New Bethlehem, PA to Lula May and Stanley Charles Lucas. He grew up in New Kensington, PA, with his late sisters Phyllis Farneth and Viola Gerdes and his surviving brother Robert. Jim graduated from Penn State University in 1955 and married Joan Dee Waugh of Herrin, IL on February 25, 1956. After graduation, Jim served his country in the army and after residing in Chester, PA, the couple moved to Bloomington in 1964 where he continued his long and distinguished career with State Farm Insurance until retirement in 1998.

Jim and Joan loved to travel together and explore new places. Jim enjoyed playing bridge, tennis, and spending time with friends and family. He was an avid gardener, known for his plentiful tomatoes. He was also known for his uncanny luck playing the slot machines.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joan, of 59 years.

Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He will always be in the hearts of his daughters Susan Greene and husband Dan, Bloomington; Sharon Lucas, Austin, Texas; and two grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan Greene.

There will be no service or visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington. A private inurnment will be at the Herrin Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of James S. Lucas can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org/honor-your-loved-one/) or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Robert M. Spinazzola, 87, Rehoboth Beach, Del., formerly of Altoona, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours Wednesday, at the Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe in Rehoboth Beach. He was the son of the late Michael and Viola (Russo) Spinazzola and was born in Altoona. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis (Collins) Spinazzola.

A graduate of Altoona High School and the Pennsylvania State University, Bob began his professional career as a biology teacher in the Altoona Area School District but was soon attracted to developing business professionals through the Dale Carnegie Training. He retired in 2001 after successfully operating his own Dale Carnegie franchise across 50 counties of Pennsylvania.

He had a passion for his family, boating on the three rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, and was at his best when he was taking care of others in his family or community. He was a long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Altoona and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

He is survived by his sister, Joann Heberling and her husband, Joel of Pittsboro, N.C.; his brother, Angelo Spinazzola and his wife, Lucy; son, Robert Stephen Spinazzola and his wife, Pat, of Phoenix, Md.; son, Robert Michael Spinazzola II and his husband, Jim Testerman of Rehoboth Beach; grandson, Brian Spinazzola; nieces, Janelle Gentilini and Susan Detwiler; and nephews, Michael Detwiler and Michael Spinazzola.

Friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Msgr. Michael Becker, celebrant. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made in Bob’s memory to the food pantry of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, PO Box 231, Altoona, PA 16603.

Chapter Eternal - James Lucas '55 and Robert Spinazzola ‘56