Francis Luckner

Francis (Todd) Michael Luckner III, age 90.5, of Corning, NY, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Those who knew him personally understood his crazy sense of humor, and he would have said, “The Croaker finally got me!” Todd was born on July 12,1933 in Hammond Indiana, where he told us “It was in a brown house painted black up over a vacant lot.” The son of the late Frank and Bunny Luckner, he married Dolores Ann Share on March 1,1952 at Christ Episcopal Church in Corning, NY.

Todd opened Luckner’s Garage on Winfield Street in 1955. He was also a charter and co-founding member of the North Corning Volunteer Fire Department and served as an Assistant Chief in the early days. Todd enjoyed the outdoors and hiked the first and second high peaks in the Adirondacks and frequently rode snowmobiles around the family camp. Todd loved drag racing starting from his early days of Street Racing in the late 1940s to early 50s. Moving on, to build several dragsters, he raced all around New York State and Pennsylvania. Todd was inducted into the Tri-City Dragway Hall of Fame and Corning-Painted Post Sports Hall of Fame. He loved Broadway plays and New York City, traveling abroad and throughout the United States with his wife, Dee.

For the past 2.5 years Todd resided at Brookdale Assisted Living in Painted Post, NY when his health required extra care. He developed special bonds with all his caregivers and residents, especially Ray, who was like another son. Nurse Diana, with whom he had an ongoing friendly Ford vs Chevy feud. It really gave him something to look forward to every day. His buddies Dick, Joe, and Dennis together, became known as the Fearsome Four at mealtime!

He is survived by his 7 children: two daughters: Lucy (Lee) Smassanow, and Laurie (George) Hall; and five sons: Francis (Connie) Luckner, IV, David Luckner (Eileen Goltry), Harold (Sheryl) Luckner, Samuel Luckner (Amanda Courtright), and Jay (Lisa) Luckner; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Todd was predeceased by his wife, Dolores, sisters: Frances and Jean Judith; brother-in-law, Walter Doyle, and his parents, Frank and Bunny Luckner.

Memorial Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 33 East First Street, Corning, NY, Friday, June 21st at 2:00 PM. Following the service, a light lunch will be served in the Houghton Lounge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Shriners Hospital or Chemung County Humane Society.

Todd's service will be livestreamed by Christ Episcopal Church to allow all of his loved ones the chance to celebrate his life. Click on the link 15 minutes before the start of his service to view live.

https://www.youtube.com/live/Fsb4gqEo63g

Todd's family has entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.
www.haugheyfuneralhome.com.