Charles Luczak: Someone You Should Know

Recently, several current and past parishioners and pastors shared reminiscences about Charles (Charlie) Luczak in honor of his 100th birthday. 

When I arrived as Pastor at St. Mary in July of 2016, Charlie was the first parishioner I met, as he would open the church for daily Mass, and would come to the rectory to brew a pot of coffee. I would join Charlie for coffee and in reading the two newspapers. We would comment, laugh, and solve all of the problems of the parish, Evanston, the state, the nation, the church, and the world. Charlie was positive, humorous, insightful, and a proud, patriotic veteran, who radiated the joy of his faith, country, and his life. “Autumnal” was one of his favorite weather descriptions. I trust that, as one of the Great Generation, he is enjoying this “autumnal” season, as he celebrates 100 years of life, friendship, faith, and love.   – Fr. Kevin McCray

After Charlie could no longer attend Mass, we made breakfast together at his house some mornings. We had delicious corned beef hash from Wisconsin. Charlie is a likeable guy. He is well-versed and can talk about anything.  –Gordon Ducharme

Charlie is one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and caring persons I know. I worked with him for many years at St. Vincent de Paul. He was always kind, gentle, and generous. He wanted to help everyone. He regaled us with wonderful stories about being in the Navy. And he has a wonderful sense of humor.  –Dee King

Charlie loves people and people love Charlie. Earlier this year, a group from Ethiopia who were attending meetings in Evanston came to Mass at St. Mary. They had heard about Charlie and wanted to meet him. They arrived expecting to see Charlie. They were accompanied by a gentleman from Alabama who had met Charlie previously and looked forward to introducing him to the group. Unfortunately, Charlie was recovering from an accident and unable to attend Mass. They were so disappointed because they had been looking forward to meeting him! We assured them that Charlie was doing well and in good spirits. They asked that we give Charlie their blessings and good wishes for a speedy recovery, and said they were looking forward to meeting him on their next visit to Evanston.    –Maura Canavan

Charlie is one of the most joyful people I know. He is a true servant of the Lord because he knows how to serve God by serving others. Charlie gets it. He lives it. He is a faithful disciple of Christ and a blessing to St. John XXIII Parish. I’m proud to call him my friend.   –Fr. Mike Solazzo

I have known Charlie for quite some time, as we both volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Charlie is a wonderful man with a wonderful sense of humor, and he is a great storyteller. I’ve always admired his long years of military service beginning with World War II, including the Berlin airlift, Korea and Vietnam. He was a fighter pilot. The other thing that is notable about Charlie is his warm smile. During the dark times of the pandemic, I would occasionally bring groceries to him. Of course, he had his mask on but the twinkle in his eye was a wonderful replacement for his warm smile. It really helped during those times.  –Marlene Adler

I first caught sight of Charles T.  Luczak several decades ago as he made Saint Vincent de Paul deliveries in my neighborhood. Charlie would team with the late Arthur Berry and the two of them would navigate the streets of Evanston servicing the needs of those who are less fortunate. Upon my joining St. Vincent de Paul, I had the opportunity to partner with Charlie making home visits. This teaming allowed me to witness the unique traits Charlie was blessed with. He has an abundance of sparkle in his eyes, love in his smile and warmth in his heart. St. Vincent de Paul is just one area of ministry where Charlie thrives; however, I can’t move on without mentioning his famous Sip & Soup St. Vincent de Paul fundraiser.  Charlie donned his Chef’s hat and apron and gave his best pitch. Needless to say, he sold out at each mass. Charlie is an integral member of St. John XXlll. (St. Mary legacy parish). He would open the Church for 8 am service, stand in as lector, and care for Fr. Greg’s birds. This is Charlies favorite season. He always reminds us, with his favorite word, that it is a wonderful “autumnal” day. Charlie can wake up the sun on the dreariest day. As he celebrates his one-hundredth birthday, he maintains that sparkle in his eyes, love in his smile and warmth in his heart. Every day should be Charlie T. Luczak day.  –John Fuller

Charlie is fun, loving, and good-spirited. He is dedicated to church, family, and country. I am honored to have him in our extended family with his niece Janine.  –Ken Szarnych

Charlie will be honored by the Archdiocese this fall for his work with the St. Vincent De Paul Society. He  has a way with people. Once he smiles at you, you know he is a great guy. Several years ago, a former parishioner who now lives in California hosted a birthday party for Fr. Greg. The party included a tour of a decommissioned WWII ship. During the tour, Charlie shared information he knew from his years in the Navy. The docent was silent—about 35 people gathered around to listen to Charlie. After the docent told the Admiral about Charlie, the Admiral came to meet him. For the rest of the day, Charlie was the center of attention, humbly of course.  –Paula Haynes

Charlie, thank you for being the gift you are to all of us at St. John XXIII Parish. Navy, well done!