Michael Kevin Lukacs

Michael Kevin Lukacs, 72, of Walden New York, passed away at his home in Port Jervis on February 26, 2024. Born in Manhattan, the son of Anna (Rhinehart) Lukacs and John A. Lukacs M.D., he was educated at Valley Central High School in Montgomery, Chaminade University (BA) in Honolulu, and SUNY New Paltz (MA).

Michael is survived by his sisters Catherine Windrum and Ann (Don) Davison; his brothers John (Shirley), Stephen (Arlene), Peter (Judy) and Thomas (Sharon); and his 16 nieces and nephews and 22 great nieces and nephews.  Michael was predeceased by his parents; his sisters Mary Lukacs (Joseph Campbell) and Joan Knechel; and his brothers-in-law Tracy Windrum and Ralph Knechel.

A lifelong educator, Michael taught at various levels in Hawaii and New York. He was a camp counselor at Camp Isis (later YMCA Camp Robbins) in Walden, and helped create the Valley Central High School Ski Team. Upon graduation from Chaminade, he joined Honolulu Junior Academy, later the Academy of the Pacific, as an English and history teacher, quickly becoming a favorite among the students and staff alike. In the early 1970’s Michael volunteered with Project Lift-Up, a youth mentorship program at Chaminade where college students provided activities and outings for youth living in public housing, keeping them involved in positive experiences after school and on weekends, including camping and other outdoor and recreational activities. In the mid-1970’s he created Camp America, a small business that took youth on camping trips throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Soon he expanded the tours to the American continent, creating a cross country youth development, education and camping program that visited U.S. National and State Parks, focusing on the history and beauty of the United States. His love of travel continued through his retirement.

Throughout his life, Michael touched the lives of so many (including his many beloved rescue cats) with his deep compassion, zany humor, quick wit, and love of the outdoors. His encyclopedic knowledge, penchant for correct grammar and proper use of the English language would frustrate, but educate, those around him. Michael aimed for excellence in everything he did, and he motivated many to follow their dreams and overcome any challenges.

Memorial visitation with service to follow will be held on Saturday April 27, 2024, from 10 to 11 AM; service at 11:30 AM, at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St. Walden, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal shelter or to Catholic Charities of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan County in New York.

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