Nicholas A. Cicchini

Sadly, Nicholas Anthony Cicchini departed this life on February 25, 2020 at age 87.

Our dear Nick, aka Nicola Antonio Panfilo Cicchini, was born in Cupello, Italy on October 5, 1932 to Rosina and Domenico Cicchini.

Leaving first for a better life in America, Domenico then called for Nicola, age 2, and Rosina to join him to start a new life in Endicott, New York where work for immigrants was ideal. The Endicott Johnson Shoe Company was hiring. Several years later, Nick’s sister, Mary, was born. The young Cicchini family flourished in this small town.

Nick went on to be a very good elementary and high school student, although tardiness was a problem at times. Young Nick loved running races, fighting off suitors for the prettiest girl in second grade, building model airplanes, and later playing the trombone in the church band. Also, Nick was a dutiful and loving son and a thoughtful and protective brother, who passed on his gently used cars to his sister, Mary.

Nick continued his studies and graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York, majoring in civil engineering. After several years of designing roads and bridges, he went on to receive a Master’s degree in City Planning from Case Institute in Cleveland, Ohio.

Nick would describe himself as a “professor type”: quiet, thoughtful, and inquiring, a man seeking answers. Though seemingly reserved, Nick had a quick, dry wit making comments that surprised and delighted all.

Additionally, he was a firm believer in the power of duct tape, gorilla glue, rubber bands, staples, and paper clips. Almost anything could be fixed using these tools. Tack on to this, Nick’s skill on the dance floor with the cha-cha as his favorite step.

Nick met his wife, Maria, in Philadelphia. They married in 1973 settling in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Several years later their darling daughter, Dina, was born. The Cicchini family then moved to Exton, Pennsylvania. Several years after retiring, Nick decided to become “president emeritus” of the family and handed over the reins to his wife, Maria, with the words “feel free to do whatever you want”…and she did!

Nick leaves behind his beloved wife, Maria, and his cherished daughter, Dina. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Mary Quick, his nieces and nephews, Rick (Tammy) Quick, Diana (Dale) Armstrong, Donna (Andy) Worden and their children, along with his cousins, Rina (Tom) Leone and sister-in-law, Peg Felice. Cousins in New Jersey, Canada, and Italy remain, as well as, nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado, and New Jersey.

Nick was a unique, loving, kind, wonderful man…a gentleman whose favorite expression was “The best things in life are free!”

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saints Philip and James Church on Tuesday, March 10. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10-11am with the Mass immediately following. Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery, Coatesville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Downingtown Senior Center, 3503 Lincoln Highway, Thorndale, PA 19372.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Nicholas A. Cicchini, please visit our Tree Store.