Robert Lukas

Class of 2007

Bob was born April 20, 1938, in New Kensington, PA, the son of L.E. and Ann Lukas, and brother to Loretta. He attended St. Joseph H.S. in Natrona, PA, and then attended the University of Pittsburgh.

Bob served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1956 to 1962.

Starting his career with Campbell Sales Co. in 1963, he then moved to Bristol-Meyers Products before launching his 35-year career in the confectionery and snack industry in 1972 as a regional sales manager at Candy Corporation of America.

Just one year later, he joined Sunmark Corp. as a regional sales manager for David & Sons, and in 1975 became a regional sales manager for Sunmark’s Concord Division.

In 1978 Bob joined Delson Candy Co., as its national sales manager and in 1980 he became the vice-president of sales and marketing at York Candy Kitchens.

He purchased York two years later along with two partners and in 1986 became the sole owner. He renamed the company Lukas Confections, Inc., trading as The Classic Caramel Company, where he is currently the CEO.

Bob reminisces that his most memorable moment was when he bought York Candy after working there for just two years and experiencing a roller coaster of a closing.

He says he has no career regrets, and reflecting on changes in the industry, he said that it has become much more sophisticated in purchasing, accounting and manufacturing.

As an active member of the community, Bob is involved in several organizations including the Rotary Club of York and the board of SEDCO, Nutricor and the Free Trade Zone. He is also a past board member of York County Chamber of Commerce.

For the industry, he has held all the chairs at the PMCA, and has also been very active in the NCA, where he is currently a director.

Bob has two children, Richard and Kristen, and enjoys collecting antique cars. He is a member of the Lafayette Club, Bon Hill Club and St. Patrick’s Church.