Benjamin Joseph Cicilioni, 103, of Peckville, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, in Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore.
Born in Peckville he was the son of the late Joseph and Christina Pascolini Cicilioni and graduated from Blakely High School.
Ben was one of the last surviving WWII vets, The Greatest Generation, having served in the Pacific with the 3rd Division of the United States Marine Corps. He was chauffeur to General Graves Erskine, and after the US took the island of Iwo Jima, he drove the General to the top of Mount Suribachi to assess the situation.
Ben was known for his carpentry skills and availed himself and his talents to family and friends that would use him in many facets of building and construction.
Ben was a long-time employee of Gasparini Excavating Company and was a member of the Union of Operating Engineers.
He had a zeal for life and enjoyed every day as best as he was able in recent years, including driving himself to renew his driver’s license at the age of 102.
Ben was a hardworking man, who enjoyed, hunting, fishing, and golfing, but had no greater joy than spending his time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Madelyn Ghilardi Cicilioni, son, Joseph Cicilioni, infant grandson, Samuel Hitchcock, brothers, Baldo Cicilioni and John “Oogie” Cicilioni, sisters, Eleanor Devine and Yolanda Castellani.
Surviving are, daughter, Karen Hitchcock (Larry), Loveland OH, son, Ben Cicilioni (Donna Smith), Scott Twp., daughter-in-law, Sophia Cicilioni, Long Island, New York, grandchildren, Lita Holman (Ryan), Luke Hitchcock (Michelle), Hillary Amendola (Joshua) and great-grandchildren, Grace, Noah, Andrew, and Ahya Holman, Samuel and Benjamin Hitchcock, and Avery, Zoe, Lita, and Remington Amendola, step-grandchildren Zoey & Wally Haddick, Ian Smith, step great-grandchildren Michael & John Haddick and Ava & Alex Smith, who affectionately called him Gigi. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends and relatives Thursday February 13, 2025 from 4-7PM at James M. Margotta Funeral Home, 1019 Main St., Peckville.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday February 14, 2025 at 10AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Willow St. Peckville, those wishing to attend are asked to go directly to the church.
Interment at a later date, St. Mary’s Assumption Cemetery, Montdale.
Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, to leave an online condolence go to adoniziofuneralhome.com
Robert and I are sorry for your loss. Ben was very nice person. He will be surely missed. He was a very nice person. He will be missed by all who loved and know him. Fly high Cousin Ben. So long till we meet again. (Ceil Straka - Drake)