Frank Cicio

Cicio, Frank
NORTH GREENBUSH - Frank (Chick), age 84, passed peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Jamaica, Queens, near the end of the Great Depression, where an impeccable work ethic was instilled in him while making bricks with his grandfather at age nine.
Frank took many jobs over the years, including selling poultry out of the iconic Big Duck. A natural athlete throughout his life, he was a three-sport letterman at Walt Whitman High School, but passed on a full scholarship to Hofstra to serve his country with the U.S. Army.
He traveled extensively before settling back on Long Island with his family. There he worked on radar for nuclear missiles before moving up to East Greenbush, working out of the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division of the National Guard. On moving to East Greenbush, he built his dream home on New Road. He loved his neighbors and became the closest of friends to John and Mary Lou Ritz and became a member of the Art Quinn Memorial Golf League. Frank also co-owned Club East Fitness and competed in racquetball tournaments. His members and staff became like family to him over the decades. During his golden years, he moved to Summit at Eastwyck, where he loved giving the super quiz to his breakfast club and playing with his poker buddies.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Jean (Cusmano); and his daughters, April (Kenny) Kozlowski and Dawn Cicio, who became his caregiver and advocate. He was the proud Papa Chico to his best buddy and grandson, Kyle Kozlowski, who he thought the world of, and could not be prouder of. He is also survived by his brother, Rudy Mendez; along with many relatives and in-laws whom he loved dearly.
Frank was predeceased by his brothers, Carmine and Ralph; and his sister, Vincenza Diaz.
The family wants to thank his caregivers, Michelle, Madison, and Jamie, for treating him with love, laughter, and dignity. We are also thankful to his doctors, Dr. Sandel, Dr. Chieng, and especially Dr. Ian Santoro, who helped give our family many healthy years with him.
Family and friends are invited to call Friday, May 24, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at WJ Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, at 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer, N.Y. 12144, with services immediately following.