The tight-knit community of Mickleton, New Jersey, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Lucas Paul DeGeorge, a beloved 17-year-old whose life was tragically cut short on May 17, 2025. Lucas’s passing has left his family, friends, teachers, classmates, and neighbors reeling with grief, as they reflect on the life of a young man who brought light, laughter, and love to everyone he encountered. In the days following his death, tributes have poured in from every corner of the community, highlighting the remarkable impact he had during his short but meaningful life.
Born in 2007, Lucas Paul DeGeorge was a vibrant and compassionate soul. A student at Kingsway Regional High School, Lucas was known for his kind heart, sharp intellect, and unique sense of humor. Whether he was helping classmates with schoolwork, cheering on friends at sports events, or participating in extracurricular activities, Lucas always showed up with warmth and authenticity. He made others feel seen, heard, and valued—an incredibly rare gift for someone his age.
To his family, Lucas was so much more than a student or friend—he was the heart of their home. He is survived by his loving parents, who nurtured and supported him in every endeavor, and his siblings, who looked up to him and shared countless cherished memories. He was also deeply loved by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents who now mourn the devastating absence of a bright light extinguished far too soon. His family remembers him as thoughtful, curious, and endlessly loving—a son who never left the house without saying “I love you,” a brother who would do anything to make others laugh, and a grandson whose hugs could brighten any day.
Lucas had a variety of passions and talents that made him stand out. He was an avid music lover, known for curating playlists that perfectly captured every mood. Friends recall late-night car rides with the windows down, Lucas at the aux, creating a soundtrack for life’s simplest yet most memorable moments. His musical taste was eclectic—he could go from classic rock to indie to rap in a single playlist—yet somehow, it always felt cohesive and meaningful.
He also loved the outdoors, frequently spending weekends hiking, biking, or skateboarding through Mickleton’s scenic trails and neighborhoods. His friends often joined him, describing those adventures as the backdrop for some of their best conversations—talks about the future, dreams, fears, and all the things teenagers often keep hidden. Lucas was the kind of person who made it easy to open up, who listened without judgment, and who offered encouragement with sincerity.
Academically, Lucas was known for his curiosity and thoughtful questions. Teachers admired his engagement in class, not just for his academic performance but for his genuine interest in learning. He had aspirations of attending college, exploring fields that blended creativity with problem-solving—possibly graphic design, environmental science, or digital media. He had an eye for aesthetics, a love of storytelling, and a desire to make the world a little better through whatever path he chose.
Outside of school, Lucas was active in community service projects and youth programs. He participated in food drives, volunteered at local shelters, and took part in church youth activities. He was someone who showed up, even when no one asked. If someone needed help moving boxes, tutoring in math, or just a person to talk to during a hard time, Lucas was there. His kindness was quiet and unassuming—never about recognition, always about the people.
The circumstances surrounding Lucas’s passing have not been made public, and the family has asked for privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss. What remains clear is that Lucas’s life, while brief, was deeply meaningful. The DeGeorge family has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and love they’ve received from friends, neighbors, and the wider community. Vigils, online tributes, handwritten cards, and homemade meals have poured in—a testament to how many lives Lucas touched.
A candlelight vigil held at the local park on May 20 drew hundreds of attendees. Friends, classmates, and community members gathered to share stories, light candles, and offer prayers. The air was filled with emotion, but also with love. As the sun set, the flickering lights of remembrance cast a warm glow over the crowd, each flame a silent promise to keep Lucas’s memory alive.
During the vigil, friends took turns at the microphone, recounting memories that painted a picture of who Lucas truly was. There were stories of impromptu soccer games, science fair projects, sleepovers filled with laughter, and moments when Lucas’s insight surprised even adults. His best friend remembered the way Lucas always seemed to know when something was wrong—and how he always knew how to make it right. Another classmate shared how Lucas once stood up for someone being bullied, turning a painful moment into a lasting friendship. These are the moments that define a person. And these are the moments Lucas gave to the world.
In honor of Lucas, Kingsway Regional High School announced plans to dedicate a section of the school garden to him. It will be a space for reflection, featuring a bench with his name, surrounded by flowers and greenery—peaceful, beautiful, and full of life, just like Lucas. His teachers and peers have also discussed establishing a scholarship in his name to support students pursuing creative or community-focused careers. These initiatives, while they cannot replace the presence of Lucas, ensure that his spirit will continue to shape the lives of others.
The DeGeorge family has encouraged those wishing to honor Lucas to consider small acts of kindness in his name. Hold the door open for someone. Compliment a friend. Offer help to a neighbor. Reach out to someone who may be struggling. Be the kind of person Lucas was—the kind who leads with compassion and never hesitates to show love.
The grief of losing a child, a brother, a friend, is a pain that words cannot truly capture. Yet in the days following Lucas’s passing, it is clear that his life was a gift to all who knew him. He may no longer walk the halls of Kingsway or ride his bike through Mickleton, but his memory will live on—in the music he loved, the kindness he showed, and the hearts of those who will never forget him.
A funeral service to celebrate Lucas Paul DeGeorge’s life is scheduled to take place on May 24, 2025, at St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Swedesboro, with visitation hours beginning earlier in the day. The family welcomes anyone who wishes to pay their respects and join in commemorating a life so richly lived. They have requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a mental health organization or youth development charity, causes Lucas deeply believed in.
As the Mickleton community continues to grapple with this tragic loss, one message has echoed over and over again: Lucas mattered. He was a beacon of goodness in a world that often feels overwhelming. His legacy is not just in the sadness of his absence, but in the beauty of the life he lived. And for all who were lucky enough to know him, that legacy will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Lucas. You were loved beyond measure, and you will be missed beyond words.
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