John Julio Silicato

John J. Silicato, aged 74 of Brandon, FL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on 12/31/25, New Year's Eve at home, after a long, rough illness of COPD. John was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. He resided in Florida for the last 28 years. John graduated from P.S. Dupont High School in 1970.

His passion was music: listening and playing. As soon as he'd wake up, he would start hearing songs in his head. He taught himself how to play guitar at a young age and continued playing his whole life. He loved playing the guitar. He loved Blues, Jazz, and Rock music the most. He enjoyed swimming. While in junior high school, he was on the school's swim team and, at one point, he was the fastest backstroke swimmer in the state. He was obsessed with numbers, from numerology to the lottery. He ambitiously played the lotto, hoping to win big one day. As long as he had a cup of black coffee, a cigarette, and scratch-offs, he was a happy man!

John was hard-working and mostly worked in specialized trades: stucco, drywall, painting, etc. John was a passionate person who loved to discuss or debate about a wide range of topics, including philosophy, religion, space, and politics. He was a good conversationalist. He was a rebel at heart and was a true non-conformist, always staying true to himself and his beliefs. He was unique, truly one of a kind. He cared about people deeply. He was a wonderful father and grandfather. He practiced mediation a lot throughout his life. He always said the most important thing in life is love. He also said we are here to enjoy life, to experience all of the physical senses.

John is preceded in death by his mother Jessie Walker (Biddle), Father John Silicato, baby sister Rosalyn Silicato, half-brother Jimmy Silicato, and half-sisters Robin Pagliaro and Denise Yarnall.

He is survived by his daughters, Rachael Silicato-McGhee and Angela Silicato, his grandson, Ethan Silicato, son-in-law, Quelessie McGhee (Rachael), ex-wife, Elizabeth Silicato (Estell), his best friend of 55 years, Carl Brown, and a host of beloved first cousins that were more like siblings, and many loving family and friends.

He will be greatly missed, but always in our hearts, forever.