John DeCicco

John Francis DeCicco, a beloved father, grandfather, adventurer, and friend, passed away on March 27, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on March 23, 1940, in East Kingston, New York, John lived a life brimming with passion, curiosity, and an enduring love for the outdoors. His legacy is one of stories-each one an adventure of its own, a reminder of his relentless pursuit of knowledge, nature, and the joy of life itself.

John, known to many as Johnny D, was a man of countless talents and interests. From hunting and fishing to fixing just about anything with his hands, or as he phrased it "puttering". He was the kind of person who saw a problem and would turn it into an opportunity. His skills were legendary among friends and family-if something needed attention; a backyard patio, an unpainted room, building a fish pond, you called Johnny D. If you had a question about how to make something work better, he likely already had a solution in mind.

But it wasn't just his hands that were remarkable-it was his heart. A devoted father to Jaclyn, Chris, and Mark, and a proud grandfather to Pepper, John's family meant everything to him. His son Mark, who tragically passed away in December of 2021, held a special place in his heart. John's love for his children and granddaughter was the core of his world. He shared many memories with them-from fishing the reservoir or Salmon River, at a Yankees game, or wild memories from his incredible life. Locals might recall his famous Garlic Fries from Dundee's at the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, where we believe the running toll was more than twenty-eight thousand pounds of potatoes that he had served up in a single weekend.

One of John's great loves was collecting. His collection of artifacts and trophies weren't just about value; each one came with a story, often a wild, humorous, or awe-inspiring tale. Many friends will recall "A Moment in Time" AKA the unexplainable encounter at the Saratoga racetrack. There were the secret missions through eastern Europe and VIP trips to Puerto Rico. John had a way of turning each experience into an unforgettable adventure, and he never had a journey that didn't come with its own story to tell.

John's journeys took him far and wide-from the wild tundra of the Arctic Circle, to the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest. He fished the shores and rivers of the Ashokan Reservoir, the Kenai River in Alaska and Lake Ontario, always chasing the next big catch, but also finding peace and solace in the quiet of the water. His love for nature was as boundless as his curiosity about the world. Each place he visited added to his well of knowledge, and he could always be counted on to offer a nugget of wisdom or a fun fact about the places he'd been.

As a lifelong New York Yankees fan, John's loyalty to his team was unwavering. There were few things that could rival his enthusiasm for a Yankees game, except perhaps frustration with decisions by coaches and management. Whether watching the game from his couch or discussing players with anyone who would listen, John's heart beat in rhythm of the diamond.

John's life was contrasted with the quieter moments-those spent with family and friends, cookouts, and laughter. He had a gift for bringing people together, and his warmth and humor made him a favorite among all who knew him. He was the kind of person who, even in his later years, was always ready for a good conversation or to lend a hand to someone in need. He had an easy way of making everyone feel like they were part of the family.

John's spirit was one of adventure and wonder, but also of eccentricity and kindheartedness. He lived his life without fanfare, preferring to let his actions and the love he gave to his family speak louder than his words. Those who were lucky enough to know him, even briefly, will remember the quiet strength he exuded, the generosity he showed to others, and the joy he found in the simpler times.

John DeCicco's life was an adventure, a journey of discovery, and a legacy of love. As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, let us all hold on to his tales and life lessons. He would want us to remember to always take care of those you love and share your stories. In the words of his own favorite mantra: "I don't think I had to tell you anything else."

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. Services were private at the request of the family. A tribute for John may be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.