Joe V. Siciliano Jr.
April 11, 1928 - February 18, 2014
“THE LAST ACT” Joe V. Siciliano Jr. (Papa) 85 passed away February 18th of Congestive Heart Failure. Born in Salt Lake City, April 11, 1928, to Joseph V. Siciliano and Mary Arnone Siciliano. He married his love, Barbara M. Oliver on August 1, 1950, 64 years ago. Their wedding was held at our Divine Savior Catholic Church.
Joe was a graduate of South High, attended the University of Utah and has fond memories of his classmates of Hawthorne Grade School and South High. He was active in various sports of all kinds. Joe had special love for Italian opera. He took great pride in his opera collection with over 300 complete operas and over 5,000 single records. He spent many hours in his music room, playing records on his old Victrola machines and creating information books on some of the world’s greatest operatic vocalists. His early ambition was to be an opera singer, having sung in many church choirs and at the U of U (go Utes!)
As a young man, Joe worked for his father at the original Capri Italian Restaurant. After their closing, he became a Vice President at Walker Bank (a great bank) which later merged into 1st Interstate Bank and then Wells Fargo.
Joe leaves an amazing legacy of faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was proud that his entire family embraced that same faith in God. He had many fond memories of time spent with his family in Lake Tahoe and Jackson Hole. Not surprisingly, all such family gatherings were centered around mounds of pasta and meatballs. He was very proud of his Italian-American Heritage and the immigrants that worked hard to establish good lives for all their families in this great country.
At the age of three, Joe first met his wife-to-be, shortly after she was born. They have known each other for over 80 years. His heart was and is full of deep love for Barbara, a great lady, wife, and mother to his precious daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Do not weep my lady – my heart is always with you”.
Joe is preceded in death by parents and brother, Sam; He is survived by wife, Barbara, their daughters, Paula, Toni (Steve), Anna, Michelle (Ken), Jody; and his grandchildren, Tiffany (Darin), Santina, Michael (Haley), Christopher, Justin, Nick, Rachel; and great-grandchildren, Sophia and Siciliana; and brother Rocco.
Celebration of Life/Open House will be held from 6:30-8:30pm on Tuesday, February 25th at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers, may we suggest a donation in his name to the Heart Failure Clinic at the Intermountain Research & Medical Foundation. You may donate directly online at http://intermountainhealthcare.org/communitysupport/giving/researchmedicalfoundation or by mail at Intermountain Heart Institute 5121 S. Cottonwood Street, Murray, UT 84107
The family would like to express deep gratitude to The Heart Failure Clinic at IMC, The Intermountain Heart Institute and the fantastic hospice workers at Intermountain Homecare, especially, Ana, Nubia, and Bill and special friend, Gus.
Dad, this may be your final act on earth but the angels are singing as you enter eternity.
In Loving Memory
I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was an incredible man of God and an awesome man to know. He made everyone who he called friend feel loved and cherished. When he found out I love italian music (I am italian). He made me tons of tapes of italian singers, not just any italian singer but the ones I loved. I still have them and play them. Thanks Joe the world is a saddened place because you are not here. My prayers are with you all. Love Gail
gail manfre
slc, ut
Paula and family, although it's been 40 plus years since last contact, I remember your dad and what a friendly man he was. Especially to a teenage boy. My prayers and condolences go out to all of you. Alan Tomich
Alan Tomich
SLC, Ut
So sorry for your loss. Gary and I worked with Joe at Walker Bank and always enjoyed his sense of humor. He made the workplace more enjoyable.
Gary and Paulette Birdsall
Bountiful, Ut
Barbra & family It was a real honor to have spent some time with Joe sitting at the kitchen table reading the news paper & drinking coffee. I was so blessed the day I came over to get Jody & the LORD said to me that I would see Joe at the table with the newspaper! Turns out that was the first time in a while he was able to do that. How wonderful to see Joe with my own eyes & get a chance to talk with him again. Joe was so kind to me I will miss seeing him at the kitchen table but I know he is the the presence of our LOVING GOD Peace be to you all shalom
Naomi Romero
midvale, ut
Paul and I were saddened to read of your family's loss. He must have been a remarkable father for he has a very compassionate and loving daughter in Paula. We realize you have a "big hole" in your family at this time but as it was put:: "the angels are singing as he enters eternity" and there is rejoicing and welcoming in heaven by those that have gone before. What an Italian Songfest that must be happening. Just remember, Paula, you will all be together someday. We love you and wish you and your family God's blessing for peace and comfort.
Virginia & Paul Bartelt
Midvale, Ut
Anna and the rest of you sweet Siciliano's, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I am sure the angels are singing great opera in his honor. I wanted to come and be a part of the celebration of life but I too am a grandfather and have duties that keep me away. My mother still has one of Barb's painted sea-scapes and dearly loves it. You guys take care and know that Joe is in great hands...love Mark
Mark Murray 801 641 7678
SLC, Ut
My thoughts and prayers to you Toni, and family, at the loss of your dad. I did not know him personally, but was touched by the throughtful obituary. Fond Olympus memories going your way. David McMurray
David McMuray
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Barbara & Family, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. Our sincere condolences and prayers are with you and family. Ross & Marilyn
Ross Mancuso
Salt Lake, Ut
I was so sorry to hear about your loss, I have fond memories of your whole family in Park City, fun times. My prayers are with you all.
Barbara. Uriarte Martinez
San Antonio, TX
Dear Dad, How does my heart go on with out you. Mom misses you to a lot the house is to quite with out you/ Please be my Angel when I need you and when I am scared. LOVE YOU TONS! Miss You Your daughter Jody and wife Barbara Siciliano.
Jodu Siciliano & Barbara your wife
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Dad, 1 month ago it would have been your 86th Birthday. How we all miss You.Especially your Joya Barbara your wife. I miss you tons please help me this week in May and thankyou for everything you have done for me. Happy Birthday enjoy baby Johnny kisses and hugs your #4 daughter Jody I will give Michelle the bear calander from you this year love Jody Sicilliano great name.
Jody Victoria Siciliano
Jody.Siciliano@yahoo.com, Wa
Dad today I am writing you I miss you so much. Paula died November 14,2014 and she is with you sing together and Dance together and hold My baby and let her hold it and love on her great niece or nephew. Santina's baby is up there so Paula will be able to see and hold her other grand child along with Tiffany's too. Mom misses you and so does every body. I offer up snickers,pasta and worms to you love Jody your daughter.
Jody Sicilano
Jody.Siciliano@yahoo.com, Wa
Love you and miss you love Jody
Jody Siciliano
jodyvsiciliano@gmail.com, Ta
Dad, it has been 1 year and 1 month since your passing I hate that you are gone my life is not the same and either is Mom's or any bodies it sucks. I eat all your favorite things that you loved when you we're alive like Twinkies,snickers, butter fingers,Apple pie. I miss your presence,smile and your Opera music.Give Paula my love the babie will com soon your 1st Grandson Lucas. Mom is excited but wishes you were here to celebrate with her. I am tired of being sad can't wait to be with you and my Lord Yeshua/Jesus and my loved ones. Keep coming to visit me love your Jody Siciliano.
Jody V. Siciliano
Tacoma, Wa
Dear Dad, it has been 1and a 1/2 years since you died. I miss you and am very depressed right now. Things are real bad and ugly Tiffany and Toni and myself had a falling out things are real ugly hear. I am glad you cannot see what is going on here from heaven you would be upset Mom is but no-one will listen to her advice. It is hard when their is no man in the house to make things right, that's what happens when you have all 5 daughter's. Please Yeshua send my Dad as a Angel of light and let them see him so he can say make things right with your sister Jody.Jesus you come to so they can see u in bodily form thank you Jesus/Yeshua! Coco love Jody Siciliano your #4 daughter.
Jody V. Siciliano
Tacoma, Wa
Dear Dad Happy 89th I mids you tons! Have a blast leading the Opera Orchestra. In Italian. and other. Languages and singing with your great vouce. Also enjoying your great grandchildren and. Paula,Tiff and Rosanba,Yvette and other loved ones miss you tons give everybidy my love. Your daughter #4Jody Siciliano glad I was named after you.
Joe V Siciliano (Dad)
Tacoma, WA