SOLON, Ohio -- Jeff Luca, longtime program manager for the Solon Recreation Department and head baseball coach at Twinsburg High School, died as the result of an accident Tuesday (Dec. 5) in Pennsylvania. He was 59.
An obituary provided by Luca’s family described the crash as “a tragic work accident.” Details have not yet been made public.
A celebration of life service for Luca will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday (Dec. 11) at the Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Parkway.
Luca had retired from the City of Solon July 31 after more than 30 years, most of which he spent managing and coordinating a variety of athletic and community events for the city’s recreation department.
E. David Peleg, the city’s banquet coordinator, said he was devastated and heartbroken when he learned of Luca’s death. They had worked together in the recreation department for more than 25 years, Peleg said.
“Jeffrey was a phenomenal individual,” he said. “He had great heart and was always there for you.
“He was a kind person, family oriented, who loved his family. His kids and wife meant the world to him. He did everything he could for them.”
Peleg, who coordinates Solon High School’s intramural basketball program, said Luca assisted him with that program for many years and was set to do so again this season.
“When the program started Wednesday night (Dec. 6), Jeff was there in spirit,” Peleg said.
“No one will take his seat (at the scorer’s table). His spirit will be there.”
Don Holub, who retired in 2020 after 31 years as Solon’s director of recreation, hired Luca to work for the department in the early 1990s.
“He was in charge of our youth programs for about 20 years, and his passion was the programs,” Holub said.
“He loved people and working with the coaches in the program and loved his family.”
Holub noted that Luca was a practical joker who loved to laugh.
“When he laughed, he could light up a room,” he said.
Holub said he and Luca had a lot of similarities.
“We both loved sports,” he said. “He joined our basketball and baseball teams (in adult leagues) and golfed with us. He was one of the better athletes I’ve ever met.
“My brothers actually called him a brother. He was not only a work colleague, but a true friend.”
After serving as assistant baseball coach at Solon High School for 13 years, Luca joined the Twinsburg High School baseball program as an assistant coach in 2006. He was named Northeastern Ohio Assistant Coach of the Year in 2015.
In 2018, Luca was named head baseball coach at Twinsburg and served in that position the past five seasons. He compiled a 54-41 record.
Next to his family, the athletes Luca coached were his love and passion, according to the obituary provided by the family.
“He not only inspired his students to be the best they could be on the field, but also as upstanding young men off the field,” the family said in the obituary.
He was also passionate about the Cleveland pro sports teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Boston College football, his family noted.
A native of Alliance, Luca graduated in 1983 from West Branch High School in Beloit, where he excelled both academically and athletically in baseball, basketball and golf. In basketball, he earned the nickname “The Ice Man” for his ability to calmly sink free throws in clutch situations.
Luca went on to earn a master’s degree in physical education and sports management in 1989 from The University of Akron. He then earned a certificate in elementary education in 1993 from John Carroll University in University Heights, where he also coached the baseball team.
“Jeff was loved by all who knew him and, according to his wife, Jen, he made friends everywhere he went,” his family said in the obituary. “He was the best neighbor anyone could have, cutting neighbors’ grass and plowing their driveways without being asked.
“If you knew Jeff, he was your friend for life. His sense of humor was corny and fun, and he truly brought so much light to every room he entered.
“He made everyone feel important and loved, and he was most proud of his children and their accomplishments.”
In addition to his wife, Luca is survived by his children, Dylan, Rylie and Nate; siblings Michael Luca (Cheri), Randy Luca and Darlynn Velotta (Joe); and his beloved pets.
In honor of Luca’s memory and to support his youngest son’s future, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to support Nate’s college education via everloved.com/life-of/jeffrey-Iuca/.
Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun.