Richard Luccetti, tireless community advocate, passes away at age 70

 
Portland, OR — Richard Luccetti, long-time community advocate, passed away on May 30, 2012. Born 70 years ago in Italy, Richard Luccetti lived in several European and South American countries prior to settling in the United States. He spoke six languages, including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and fluent English.
Luccetti was a humble and dedicated man, yet those who knew him well dared not cross him. He brought great passion to his work and was tireless when it came to serving others.

Hundreds of families have been impacted by Luccetti’s efforts to provide access, resources, quality education, and protection for new immigrants and language minority populations. He not only assisted immigrants and refugees in obtaining food, shelter, and other basic necessities, he challenged agencies and institutions to implement policies and procedures that improved the status of some of our most vulnerable residents. Luccetti used his knowledge and skills to work with individuals and groups on issues associated with immigration.

In recognition of his dedication, in 2011 Albina Head Start renamed its administrative building in northeast Portland in honor of Luccetti, who had long advocated for children and families both through Albina Head Start and in the wider community.

There are many individuals and groups who have observed Luccetti’s work and commitment to human rights. Others have witnessed his focus and actions related to police accountability.

One well-documented accomplishment was the civil rights complaint that he filed with the Office for Civil Rights. He and his close friend Marta Güembes were responsible for a complaint that brought the largest school district in the State of Oregon under the scrutiny of the Region X Office for Civil Rights. This has resulted in more language minority students gaining access to a greater and more rigorous curriculum, and a greater number of ESL students have since graduated from high school.

Though small in stature, Luccetti has had enormous impact. He will long be remembered for his commitment to civil rights, social justice, and providing a quality education to young people.

Luccetti is survived by his three children Sandra Hyliard, Corrine Luccetti, and Marco Luccetti; and grandchildren, Danette Gullion, Daniel Gullion, Alexandra Tucker, Marissa Hyliard, McKenna Panasewich, Levi Rinier, and Kasia Rinier.

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