Joe Siccardi Memorial Page

It is often said we wear many hats this side of heaven. Joseph Siccardi, Sr. knew how to wear his collection well as a husband, son, writer, author, friend and most beloved – father. On December 14, 2020, Joe, age 73, set down his hats to join his wife, Karen, his dear friend, Sonni, and his parents, Joseph and Dorothy, in heaven.

Joe lived a humble life. He grew up in Patterson, NJ where he met his wife, Karen and started their family before moving to Illinois to pursue his career at the Belvidere Daily Republican. After thirteen years as the editor, Joe and his growing family moved to Toledo, Ohio to continue his career at the Catholic Chronicle. Joe refined his skills with one more stop at the Catholic Standard in Washington DC before moving once again to Seneca Falls, NY to realize his dream of owning his own newspaper – Reveille Between the Lakes. With every move, Joe and Karen left a child behind and it was a longstanding joke in the family that they needed to rent a U-Haul to get rid of us. We imagine them in heaven, holding hands, and laughing because they have finally unloaded all the baggage. Joke is on them. We will all be reunited one day. After retiring, Joe moved once again to Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, and then finally settled in Dexter, Maine surrounded by friends and snow – just the way he liked it.

As an author of five books, a screenplay, and blog, Joe believed in the power of story. A good story was one which would be remembered, taken off the shelf and read over and over again. He chose to live his life like a good story and filled the pages with all the essential elements – love, drama, tragedy, adventure and a happy ending.  Joe’s happy ending was, at long last, being reunited with our mom.

Joe and Karen had five children who contributed to the story. Joseph Siccardi Jr. of Kentucky, Deanna (Michael) Kohlhofer of Ohio, Scott (Mandi) Siccardi of Massachusetts, Nicolle Siccardi (Doug Biery) of New York, and Jonathan Siccardi (Whitney Smith) of South Carolina. His kids have collectively written many pages of Joe’s story. Though contributing their fair share to the drama and tragedy, they contributed even more to the joy and laughter. Joe also left behind 19 grandkids that called him, “Papa Joe.” – Stacia and Kayli Connor of Illinois; Skylar and Shayla Schultz of Illinois; Zackary (Khristine), Ryan (Maddison), and Gavin Kohlhofer of Ohio; Derrick, Timothy, Benjamin, and Hayleigh Siccardi of Massachusetts; Anthony Siccardi, Gabriella and Kaydance Smith, and Colin Biery of New York; Taylor (Michael) Seamon and Jonathan Siccardi Jr. of New York; and Karly Siccardi and Eli Smith of South Carolina. Adding to the crew are four great-grandkids – Addison and Harper Kohlhofer of Ohio; Payton Schultz of Illinois; and Ivy Seamon of New York.

Joe poured his life into words, both spoken and written. His greatest desire was to be a light in a dark world. He enjoyed praying for and encouraging others – anyone and everyone in his path. He loved to make people laugh with his dad jokes and memes and he inspired us all to live full lives with no fear, worry, or regret. His kids wish to keep his legacy alive through the written word. They had a front row seat as Joe worked with high standards of integrity and put into action that which he preached. It is now their desire to continue the work he so diligently began.

Memorial contributions can be made here until 2/2/2021. Funds raised will be used to cover final expenses. Words of encouragement can be left in the comment section of this page or on Joe’s Facebook Author Page.

While there is a hole in our hearts today, we know our dad is happily reunited with the love of his life, who went to be with the Lord in 2008. Joe lived with a large hole in his heart for twelve years and we rejoice knowing his heart is full once again.

Joe always knew his kids would write the next words…