Giovanni 'John' DeCicco

December 7, 1944 – January 23, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Giovanni (John) DeCicco on January 23, 2024 at 79 years of age. He was predeceased by his father and mother Lorenzo and Carmela DeCicco and his brother Domenic DeCicco. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife Darlene and their children Deborah (Trevor) Bonderud, Lorenzo (Dana) and Michael (Deanna) DeCicco. John will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Veronica, Cole and Matthew Bonderud, Fiorella, Francesca, Madalena, Santino, Cristiano and Mia DeCicco, his brother Nick (Linda) DeCicco and sisters Dora (Ralph) Sherbo, Mary (Jim) Marchuk, nephews, nieces, many other relatives and special friends.

John was born in Sannicandro (Bari) Italy, immigrated to Canada in 1959 and arrived in Kamloops with his mother, sisters, and brothers to join their father who was already in Kamloops. John attended St. Ann’s Academy in Kamloops, Hamilton High School in North Vancouver, and then apprenticed as a barber at the Continental Barber Shop on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. He received his barbering license in 1962 in Vancouver and then returned to Kamloops in 1963 where he met Darlene. In October of 1965 they married and John opened up his own barber shop the Continental Barber Shop.

John was very involved in the community over the years volunteering for numerous organizations and fundraisers. In the mid-sixties John was President and a founding member of the Thompson Valley Kiwanis Club. He was a Life Member, Past President, Treasurer and Director of the Colombo Lodge for over 40 years. He was also a Level 4 Amateur Soccer Referee and Coach for many years, as well as being President of the Nor Brock Youth Soccer Association and very involved with Kamloops youth soccer. John was a faithful Purser and Knight for the 4th Degree Assembly 0033 Knights of Columbus. He was also Parish Council Chair for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and finance committee member for Sacred Heart Cathedral. John was also very involved with Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and Parish fundraisers. In 1999 John was elected a Councilor for the City of Kamloops and served until 2011. He was a Director of the Thompson Nicola Regional District, Vice-chair of the Royal Inland Hospital Board and on various committees.

A Memorial Mass will be held and celebrated by Bishop Joseph Phuong Nguyen, Monsignor Gerry Desmond, Father Andrzej Wasylinko and Reverend Father Derrick on January 31, 2024 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Cathedral with a reception to follow at the Colombo Hall.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.schoeningfuneral service.com

Schoening Funeral Services is entrusted with arrangements.