The wake for Father Jerome A. Lukachinsky will begin with vespers at 3 p.m. July 8 at St. Monica Church, 13623 Rockside Road, Garfield Heights. Bishop Edward Malesic will be the presider and Deacon Joseph Menkhaus will be the homilist. The wake will continue until 6:45.
Bishop Martin Amos, retired bishop of Davenport, Iowa, will be the main celebrant at Father Lukachinsky’s funeral Mass at 7 p.m. July 8 at St. Monica Church. Father James Roach will be the homilist.
Father Lukachinsky, 65, died on June 30.
He was born on April 22, 1956 to the late Walter and Donna Rae (Nicholson) Lukachinsky. Father Lukachinsky was educated at Maple Leaf School, Garfield Heights Junior High School and Garfield Heights High School, all in Garfield Heights; Borromeo College, Wickliffe; and Saint Mary Seminary, Cleveland.
Bishop Anthony Pilla ordained him to the priesthood for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on May 28, 1988 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Cleveland.
Father Lukachinsky’s first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. John Nepomucene Parish, Cleveland. In addition to this assignment, he served as master of ceremonies for Bishop James Lyke from July 25, 1988 to June 22, 1993.
He was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Bridget of Kildare Parish, Parma, on June 22, 1993.
Father Lukachinsky was granted early retirement for health reasons on June 12, 2001, with permission to live at St. William Parish, Euclid. On Jan. 7, 2010, he changed his residence to St. Monica Parish, Garfield Heights, where he lived until his death.
Despite his many infirmities, Father Lukachinsky wanted to live at a parish and help with confessions and Mass, as he was able.
He had a great interest in the Civil War and celebrated Mass for the annual Civil War gathering in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Those who knew him said he would be remembered for his dedication to the priesthood despite the great medical obstacles caused by his infirmities.
Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park.