Richard (Dick) Ficco, 93, peacefully passed away at home, on August 13, 2024, surrounded by his family after a four-year battle with cancer. He was born May 31, 1931, the son of Italian immigrant James Vincent Ficco, who entered through Ellis Island, and Elizabeth DeNunzio. He was the youngest of their five children.
He enlisted and served honorably in the US Coast Guard during the Korean War from 1950-1953.
After his return from service, he graduated from St. Vincent’s College, married, moved to Los Angeles, and had two daughters. He built a successful 30-year career in insurance.
In 1989, he married Nancy O’Hara. They had one son, Alex, and thereafter moved to Nevada.
Dick had a huge personality, loved to make people laugh, and never met a person he didn’t like.
Even while employed as an insurance executive, he performed every handy man task, maintenance, and building project imaginable on his own home, for other family, and gladly for anyone who asked.
Devoted to his Catholic faith, his was also a member of the Nevada Knights of Columbus. He served as membership director for council 12845. He volunteered for the annual golf tournament, agreeing to do the barbequing and drive the golf cart delivering drinks, as he hated playing golf!
Dick was an excellent Italian cook and baker. He loved cooking for his family, delivering weekly meals to his sister, and baking dozens of Christmas cookies for everyone he knew.
Dick participated in all his son’s sports. He served as assistant wrestling and little league coaches. He never missed one of his son’s motocross races.
Dick was an avid lifelong Pittsburg Steelers fan. In his younger years, his passions were snow skiing, bicycling, and playing soft ball.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Nancy O’Hara Ficco, and loving son, Alex Richard Ficco, as well as, daughters Monica Ficco Rock, Joni Ficco, one granddaughter, two great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Ficco, his brother James Ficco Jr, sisters, Daune Ficco Cavalier, Betty Jean Ficco Sonnie, and Rosemarie Ficco.
We will miss him forever!
We thank the loving and devoted staff at Carson Valley Health, Dr. James Chang, Heather, Jennifer, and Lisa for the excellent care they provided, as well as Beverly and Janelle at Gentiva Hospice.
Arrangements are being made through Eastside Memorial Park. A funeral mass will be held on October 21, 2024, at 11:00 am, St. Gall Church, 1343 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville NV.