Arthur Conrad Lucero

Arthur Lucero, a Santa Barbara native who worked for 45 years for the Santa Barbara City School System, passed peacefully in the presence of his loving family on October 17, 2022. He was 83 years old. The cause of death was complications from a fall.

Mr. Lucero was a larger-than-life personality whose wit and humor delighted everyone he encountered. He was a father figure to many and well-loved in the Santa Barbara community.

Besides working full-time, Art also worked weekends to save up for summer vacations with his family. His children fondly remember the annual camping trips and fun-filled adventures at the various amusement and National Parks.

Having played football in high school and competed in city league fastpitch softball, Art continued his love of sports by cheering for the Dodgers, Rams, and Lakers.

In 1956, he married Georgetta Nava who he met in his 8th grade math class taught by Mr. Pezzati at Santa Barbara Junior High. Mr. Pezzati would later teach all four of his children and proudly claimed the title of “match maker” for the Lucero family.

Mr. Lucero was a born leader and served as President of the California Schools Employee Association (CSEA) for many years. He received the Shining Star Award for his over 30 years of service to the Santa Barbara Boys and Girls club. He could always be found working and joking with his friends at the club’s booth during Fiesta. They raised thousands of dollars to support after school sports for Santa Barbara’s youth.

Arthur Conrad Lucero was born in Santa Barbara California on October 26th, 1938. His father Arthur Lucero Sr. was a chef and restaurant owner. His mother Barbara Cordero was a caterer and SBHS cafeteria worker.

In addition to Georgetta, his wife of 65 years, Art is survived by his daughters Lorraine Lucero, Cynthia (Fred) Bittle, Michelle (Robert) Huff, and his son Jimmy (Mary Cashman) Lucero, and his sister Carmen Holloway. He was adored by his 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
He always referred to his growing beautiful family as “a work of Art”. He will be dearly missed.

A celebration of Arthur Lucero’s life will be held in late December, the actual date has not yet been determined.