Dario J Sicker

Dario Joseph “Joe” Sicker, of Louisville, joined the Heavenly Host Sunday, June 29th, at the age of 101 at the Aultman Compassionate Care Center in Canton, Ohio. He was born in Lafferty, Ohio, in Belmont County, to Italian-Austrian immigrants Umberto and Severina (Rizzardi), the second of three sons. He grew up in a house his father and uncles built and attended Saint Mary Catholic grade school in this small, coal-mining town. He attended Lafferty High School, graduating in 1942, and was subsequently drafted into the United States Navy during World War Two. 

He served with distinction aboard the USS Ashland in the Pacific Theater, rising to the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class. During his time in the Navy, he was witness to several of the most harrowing landings, including Iwo Jima and the liberation of the Philippines. After being honorably discharged and returning stateside, he moved north to Canton to rejoin his elder brother and seek employment. He was hired at Republic Steel, where he would spend the entirety of his working career, moving up in the union while simultaneously making lasting friendships with those in management. 

Around the same time, chance led him to enter a dance studio, where he met and fell in love with Mildred Schotsch, with whom he would enjoy more than 60 happy years of marriage. The couple bought a house on 17th Street and raised two sons, Robert and Ronald. He held family, faith, and service as his core values, and the three were often intertwined. He was a longtime parishioner of Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, where he was very active in the Men’s Club, Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the parish’s credit union. He taught many of the next generation welders as part of the government sponsored Manpower Program and was active in the Toastmasters International and an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. Moving to Plain Township in retirement, Dario enjoyed spending his time in his flowerbeds and garden and taking walks around his neighborhood. He also had a famous appetite, and would quietly enjoy any meal with gusto.

Above all he was a family man. He adored his wife, gave wise counsel to his sons, and doted over his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very fond of family reunions, where he could reminisce with his brothers and catch up with his many nieces and nephews, and enjoyed having his sons and their families over for Christmas. He prayed every day for the continued health and happiness of his family, to whom he provided unwavering support and encouragement. He was incredibly generous with his time, talent, and treasure. He was always prepared for company, with a cup of tea and a sandwich at the ready, and a winding tale that only he could do justice.

He is preceded in death by his wife Mildred; and his brothers and their wives, Jim (Katherine) and Jules (Betty). He is survived by his sons, Robert (Charlene) and Ronald (Alisa); his grandchildren Stephanie (Joe) Bosstick, Brittanie, Cathryn (Sam) Greene, Daniel, Kurt, and Gretchen; and his great-grandchildren Genevieve, Emmett, and June. Calling hours will be held at Wackerly Funeral Home on Friday, July 11th from 4PM until 6PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held the following morning at Saint Peter’s Church at 10AM with the Very Reverend Dr. David M. Misbrener as celebrant. Burial with Military Honors will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that a donation be made to the Louisville St. Josephs Assisted Living Employee Sunshine fund or the Aultman Compassionate Care Center, for the incredible care. 

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