Larry Lucchino, the ex-Padres president who played a major role in the development of Petco Park, died this week at the age of 78.
On Tuesday, April 2, the death of the former president was confirmed by his family in a statement expressing their appreciation for everyone who has reached out for support over the past months.
“We are heartbroken to share that our beloved brother and uncle, Lawrence Lucchino, passed away on April 2 surrounded by his family. The Lucchino family wishes to thank his friends and caregivers who, over the past few months, have surrounded him with love, laughter, and happy memories,” the executive’s family via a statement shared by the Boston Red Sox.
Larry Lucchino was president of the Padres between 1995 and 2001, a quite successful run for the franchise, with multiple trips to the MLB playoffs and a World Series appearance against the New York Yankees in 1998.
Lucchino played a key role in giving the green light to the eventual construction of the #1 ranked ballpark in the country, Petco Park.
The San Diego Padres also released a statement on the passing of Lucchino:
“We mourn the passing of former Padres executive Larry Lucchino. Larry’s passion and leadership was instrumental in the design and construction of Petco Park,” the said in a post via Instagram. The former Padres president is survived by his brother, Frank J. Lucchino, and his three children, F.J. Lucchino, Jennifer Lucchino, David Lucchino, and seven grand-nieces and grand-nephews