John
Nicholas Ficociello died suddenly on September 18, 2024, seemingly of
a cardiac infarction. He had just celebrated his 78th birthday on
August 30.
The
oldest child of John Anthony and Ruth (née O’Connell), John was
born in Worcester, Mass., and was raised and worked on his family’s
farm in East Brookfield. He attended Prouty High School in Spencer,
was on the first-string basketball state champion team and graduated
salutatorian. He then attended Saint Michael’s College on an
academic scholarship, where he was captain of the football team. It
was there that he met Mary Ann Roy, truly the love of his life and
wife of 56 years. While in college, he was invited by his future
father-in-law to work part time in the field of orthotics and
prosthetics. He became enthralled with the profession. The summer
after graduation, he married Mary Ann and received a grant to attend
Northwestern University’s prestigious prosthetic program. With
several options pending, he chose to return to Vermont to complete
his internship and residency.
When
offered, John purchased the business, renamed it Yankee Medical and
expanded it to include six locations with 60 employees, many of whom
have come to be endlessly appreciated and considered family. After
several offers, he ultimately sold the business to the University of
Vermont Medical Center and retired at 72. During his many years of
service to his profession and community, John served on many boards,
including as acting president of the National American Orthotic &
Prosthetic Association and president of Lyric Theatre’s board of
directors.
John
and Mary Ann were part of a special motorcycle group where many
memories were created on numerous trips. There was also a unique
community built around Lyric Theatre, where John could often be found
backstage with a headset.
In
addition to John’s loyalty to his family, he enjoyed many a casino
around the world, as well his local poker games at the Ethan Allen
Club. Most recently, he enjoyed playing cribbage at the Burlington
Country Club, having won a title twice.
He
was predeceased by a younger brother, Daniel, and is survived by two
sisters, Carmella Gates and Patty Gorgol. He leaves his beloved Mary
Ann; son, Jason “JT” Tyler; grandson, Luke; and dear nieces and
nephews who adored their Uncle John.
Visiting
hours will be on Friday, October 4, 4 to 6 p.m., at Ready Funeral
Home, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, VT. A funeral mass will be held
on Saturday, October 5, noon, at Christ the King Church, 136 Locust
St., Burlington. A reception will follow from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at
the Burlington Country Club, 568 South Prospect St.
Arrangements
are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To leave
online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com
This article appears in Sep 18-24, 2024.