Giovanni M. Cicco

In memory of Giovanni Cicco (John) of Cranston, RI who passed away with loved ones by his side on February 28, 2021.

John was born January 12, 1934 in San Mango d’Aguino, a town in the province of Catanzaro, Italy to Francesca and Vincenzo Cicco.  Upon the death of his father in 1950, Giovanni left behind his mother and younger brother Mario and moved to the United States to live with his Auntie Bridgy, Uncle Ralph, and cousin Dr. Joseph Tucci.   

John took night classes to learn English then was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War.  After an honorable discharge, John met his wife Alma Isabel McCormack (Ali) then began his career as a union welder/steam pipefitter.  John and Ali married on October 24, 1964 and were blessed with 4 children, 7 grand children and 4 great grand children.  

A lifetime member of Local Union 777, John worked tirelessly to support his beloved family who were the highlight of his existence.   A perfect day for John included driving in his spotless BMW to FoxWoods with his cousin while cranking Andrea Bocelli on the stereo then home to a family dinner followed by a victorious Yankee game on TV (Go Yanks!). 

A master in the kitchen, John made meals into grand events with home made and homegrown food.  His legacy was his signature pizza, which no one has quite figured out how to replicate. What will be missed the most is the way he connected to every member of his family.  He wrote cards and made phone calls without fail.  Having family spread from Italy to six different US states, he had a magical way of keeping everyone close.  To John, life was simple…love your family, work hard, sing, dance, laugh, be honest and enjoy all that life has to offer.  

John is survived by his loving wife Ali, four children Maryann Jarbeau and husband Ken of North Kingstown, RI; Deborah Cassidy and husband Scott of Montrose, CO; Catherine Forlasto and husband Michael of Phoenix, AZ; and John Cicco and wife Mary of Los Angeles, California.  He is also survived by his brother Mario Cicco and wife Marisa of Boca Raton, Florida and his Cousin Dr. Joseph Tucci and wife Marjorie of Cumberland, RI.  

He leaves behind many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and dear friends who will all cherish his memory and honor his legacy to love and care for La Famiglia above all else. 

His visitation will be held in Woodlawn Funeral Home at 8:30 am to 9:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Matthew’s Church, Cranston, Saturday, March 6, 2021 with Military Honors following in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers  memorial donations may be made to Beacon Hospice 1 Catamore Blvd. East Providence, RI 02914. Please share memories and condolences at WoodlawnGattone.com