Gilbert “Gibby” Francis Lukosky
Gilbert Francis Lukosky, “Gibby” to his friends, passed away on April 14, 2015 after losing his battle with Lymphoma cancer. Born in Washington D.C. in 1936, Gibby was the oldest of four children. He was the second generation of Polish immigrants. He met and married his lifelong sweetheart Valerie Elliotte while bartending in the San Fernando Valley. He made many moves throughout his youth until he found Newport Beach in 1972. It was there that he wanted to live for the rest of his life.
The young Lukosky family moved to Newport Shores in 1972 and Gibby has been a mainstay in the community ever since. He is most remembered for his ownership of Nikki’s Flag Shop on Old Newport Blvd. In this capacity, he has been one of the main conduits for American Flags, custom banners and yachting flags for people in the harbor area.
He was a member of the 6 o’clockers at the old Balboa Bay Club, The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor and The American Legion Post 291. Gibby was a silent force in the workings of our community knowing people of all ages, backgrounds and professions among Newport Beach residents.
He was educated at Notre Dame High School, spent three years in the Air Force, attended junior college and graduated from University of Southern California.
Gibby is survived by Valerie, his wife of 52 years, his son Greg and his wife Suzanne and his daughter Christina and her husband Ryan plus grandchildren Emily, Nate, Jake, Riley and Kate and sisters Tanya Hendrix and Tina Steere.
Services will be held on Saturday April 25th at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1441 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach at 10 a.m. with a Memorial Celebration at the Newport Shores Clubhouse, 511 Canal St., Newport Beach directly following the service. On April 26th at 10 a.m. there will be a memorial Paddle Out at Blackie’s, Newport Beach Pier. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor, P. O. Box 1022, Newport Beach, CA 92659.