Obituary: John Nicholas Ficociello, 1946-2024
JohnNicholas Ficociello died suddenly on September 18, 2024, seemingly ofa cardiac infarction. He had just celebrated his 78th birthday onAugust 30.
Theoldest child of John Anthony and Ruth (née O'Connell), John wasborn in Worcester, Mass., and was raised and worked on his family'sfarm in East Brookfield. He attended Prouty High School in Spencer,was on the first-string basketball state champion team and graduatedsalutatorian. He then attended Saint Michael's College on anacademic scholarship, where he was captain of the football team. Itwas there that he met Mary Ann Roy, truly the love of his life andwife of 56 years. While in college, he was invited by his futurefather-in-law to work part time in the field of orthotics andprosthetics. He became enthralled with the profession. The summerafter graduation, he married Mary Ann and received a grant to attendNorthwestern University's prestigious prosthetic program. Withseveral options pending, he chose to return to Vermont to completehis internship and residency.
Whenoffered, John purchased the business, renamed it Yankee Medical andexpanded it to include six locations with 60 employees, many of whomhave come to be endlessly appreciated and considered family. Afterseveral offers, he ultimately sold the business to the University ofVermont Medical Center and retired at 72. During his many years ofservice to his profession and community, John served on many boards,including as acting president of the National American Orthotic &Prosthetic Association and president of Lyric Theatre's board ofdirectors.
Johnand Mary Ann were part of a special motorcycle group where manymemories were created on numerous trips. There was also a uniquecommunity built around Lyric Theatre, where John could often be foundbackstage with a headset.
Inaddition to John's loyalty to his family, he enjoyed many a casinoaround the world, as well his local poker games at the Ethan AllenClub. Most recently, he enjoyed playing cribbage at the BurlingtonCountry Club, having won a title twice.
Hewas predeceased by a younger brother, Daniel, and is survived by twosisters, Carmella Gates and Patty Gorgol. He leaves his beloved MaryAnn; son, Jason "JT" Tyler; grandson, Luke; and dear nieces andnephews who adored their Uncle John.
Visitinghours will be on Friday, October 4, 4 to 6 p.m., at Ready FuneralHome, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, VT. A funeral mass will be heldon Saturday, October 5, noon, at Christ the King Church, 136 LocustSt., Burlington. A reception will follow from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. atthe Burlington Country Club, 568 South Prospect St.
