Fred Emil Ciccone

Fred Emil Ciccone, 72, longtime resident of Superior, WI, died Wednesday, March 20, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center in Austin, TX. He was born in Newark, NJ, January 5, 1947, the son of Emil and Josephine (Purcell) Ciccone. Born as a 2 ½ pound, premature baby he surprised everyone with his energy and growth into a tall, young man.

Known as “The Hawk,” his sunny personality and love for a good laugh garnered him many friends and devoted family members. When he walked to school with his sisters he loved to see “Joe the Cop” who wore white gloves and would hold his hand to cross a very busy Central Avenue. Fred even got to blow the policeman’s whistle occasionally.

Fred loved his first dog, Fergie. He was so concerned about him that when he took him for his daily constitutional, he made sure he had a wad of napkins with him to insure he came home squeaky clean (the dog, not Fred). He befriended an elderly neighbor, Mr. Gerstel, visiting him every day. When Fred turned seven, Mr. Gerstel threw him a “Baloney Party,” to celebrate his special day. Yep, there were his favorite sandwiches galore.

Fred’s father discovered it was impossible to take him fishing at a young age because he scared all the fish away with his non-stop talking. He decided to curb that as he became an avid fisherman later in life. Fred’s kids also got in trouble for talking too much when they went fishing. Like father, like sons.

As a teenager he continued to gather friends. The trio of Freddy, Anthony, and Bobby traveled like the Three Musketeers, playing non-stop basketball, socializing and occasionally getting into trouble. If there was a laugh to be had they were all in.

He lived in a two-family home. His grandparents and Aunt Gen were on the first floor; his father, mother, and sisters lived upstairs. He would eat dinner with his immediate family and every night would go down to have a second meal with his grandparents and aunt, who would all say, “I don’t know where he puts it.” His first words were “Hey, what’s going on downs here?”

After high school, Fred moved to Superior, WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Superior. He made many lifelong friends and met the love his life, Margaret. They were married forty-eight years and supported each other through births, deaths, successes, tragedy, illness and elections. It wasn’t always easy, but they stuck together and set a good example for their children. Fred and Margaret helped each other become better people, an effort that lasted a lifetime.

He was proud of his family, lovingly referring to his boys as Tony “The Genius” and Nik “The Mop.” Fred taught his boys the value of education, money, and hard work, teaching them the “right way of doing things” and “not taking the easy way out.” He would later proudly tell his friends about his sons’ families, careers, universities and careers.

He worked for Nestle Foods more than thirty years, he retired and enjoyed spending quiet time at home, reading, doing “manly work” in the garage, and visiting family and friends. He treasured playing and joking with his grandkids, Eben, Sofia, Gia, and Jack.

He always loved pizza, the Yankees, the Celtics, a dish of macaroni, the Green Bay Packers, and cooking BBQ for everyone on his smoker, The Bad Boy.

He often bragged about Margaret’s skill at making delicious bread and a cheesecake as good as “Lindy’s”, a famous NY establishment. He missed some of the New Jersey childhood favorites, so it was not unusual if he asked his sisters to mail him pizza, a whole salami, and bagels. His mother would travel to see him with loaves of crispy Italian Bread and stinky cheese in her suitcase to satisfy his longing for these things. His love of food led him to be a good cook, honing each recipe until it was perfect. Some of his favorites were in a family cookbook “Meet Me in The Kitchen” which he helped put together.

Fred had a special talent for making friends and maintaining relationships over long periods of time. Across northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, he had many, many decades-long friendships.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Margaret (Rose); sons, Anthony (Adriana) Ciccone and Nicohlas (MaryTere) Ciccone; sister, Yvonne “Vonne” (Mike) Pannucci; grandchildren; nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Emil; mother, Josephine; and sister, Jeanette.

April 1 ^st would not be lost on Fred. He was always ready to crack a smarty remark.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Monday, April 1, 2019, at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street, Superior, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Fred’s name to the Salvation Army Food Shelf, 916 Hughitt Avenue, Superior, WI 54880.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com .