Joseph A. Cicci

Joe Cicci, 59, passed away in the early morning hours on Thursday August 18, 2022.  After beating pancreatic cancer in 2019, only to have other complications compromise his health, he went peacefully to his Father in Heaven.  However, Joe fought bravely to the very end and never gave up his love for life.

For those who knew Joe, he was unapologetically himself and he shared with others the things he loved and all his life experiences. Being in law enforcement for 40 years gave him the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many people. Whether it was as an MP in the US Army in Panama, his first job as a Sandwich police officer, throughout his 27 years in St. Charles being a DARE officer and a high school liason, a mentor to the police cadets at Waubonsee Community College or as Chief of Police in Waterman where he retired in 2021, Joe made an impact. And still, Joe knew how to, as he said, "have fun every single day of my life!"

Joe loved his Vikings and converted others to cheer for the Purple People Eaters. He rode motorcycles since the age of 7 and enjoyed riding with his wife, Lisa. He owned more cars than most can count. But those that stood out were his orange Gremlin, his Nissan Z and his 1976 Toyota LandCruiser....which he owned twice. Once at the age of 18 when he served in the U.S. Army in Panama and again at 58 years old. It was one of many passions he had along with ACDC, the Cars, cycling and a good bourbon! Whatever Joe had an interest in, he researched so well, he could tell you anything you wanted to know or didn't want to know, about guns, knives, watches, hats, history, etc. 

Joe loved to be surrounded by things but his love for friends and family far surpassed everything else. His children, Samantha and Tyler were his pride and joy and last year he was promoted to Grandpa Joe, which was his favorite title yet. The people in his life meant the world to him and he had a way of leaving a lasting impression with good advice, encouragement and that Cicci smile.

Joe lived life with abandon and, although his time here was too short, he made an impression on many that will last forever.

Joe is survived by his wife, Lisa; His mother, Patricia Cicci of Elburn, IL; 2 children, Samantha (Tony) Iannino of Naperville, IL and Tyler (Lexxi Soloy) Cicci of Naperville, IL; 1 grandson, Jaxson; 2 sisters, Elizabeth Arnold of Geneva, IL and Kate (Greg) Johnson of Maple Park, IL; Nieces and nephews, Mandi, Aleka and Dean; Great nephews, Parker and Noah; As well as his dog, Rozzie and his 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser.

He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene; A sister, Carolyn; And a nephew, Hunter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 from 2:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL 60548. A masonic service will be held at 4:00 P.M. Funeral service will take place next day, Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 12:30 P.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 901 N. Center St. Plano, IL 60545. Cremation services will be accorded. A private graveside service will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Friday, September 2, 2022. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com