We are sad to announce the passing of a NIFDA friend

GILBERT FRANCIS "GIBBY" LUKOSKY
(of Nikki's Flags in Newport Beach, CA)
1936 - 2015 

 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 the 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.