Robert Driver Luckey

Robert Driver Luckey, 84, passed away peacefully of natural causes on December 30, 2024. Born in Tynemouth in the north of England in 1941, and raised in nearby North Shields, Bob escaped the Blitz by spending the war years in the rural town of Carrshield, where his mother, Rebecca, passed away. After the war, his father, Capt. Robert T. Luckey, remarried and brought the family to Staten Island, NY when Bob was just nine years old. He became a U.S. citizen in 1952. 

At the age of 17, Bob entered the United States Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1961. He served four years in the Navy, during which time he met his first wife, Kathy. Kathy and Bob were married in 1964 and later moved to Chicagoland where Bob began his career at Illinois Bell and they raised their family. Following Kathy’s death in 1990, Bob was blessed to reconnect with family friend Maria Nanay in 1992. They were married in 1993 and together enjoyed many years in retirement on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. 

A life-long learner and avid reader, Bob frequented the Orange Grove Public Library. He enjoyed his morning visits with the ladies at the Winn Dixie on Highway 49. Bob and Maria enjoyed taking walks and drives along the beach and were blessed by dear neighbors, Deanna and Andres, and of course the presence of Keke the cat in their lives.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of over 30 years, Maria Nanay, his daughters Robin and Amy Luckey, son-in-law Michael, grandchildren Jackson, Ryan and Elli, as well as Maria’s children Jason, Derrick, and Sacha Nanay. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen Ann Luckey, and his sister, Audrey Byrne. The family wishes to extend special gratitude to the staff of Seashore Highlands Assisted Living. Your care and compassion will not be forgotten. 

Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. For those who wish to remember Bob, please consider making a donation in his name to your local public library or to the charity of your choice. 

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Luckey family.