Richard L. Sica

Richard Louis Sica, 90, a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at his residence in Staunton. 
 
He was born on June 8, 1933, in Torrington, CT to the late Chester Joseph and Anna Irene Battistoni Sica.
 
Richard dedicated thirty-eight years of his life as an inspector with Torin Corporation and continued his career at Cirro Metal in Weyers Cave for five years. Even after retirement, he kept busy by working at the North Coalter Street Food Lion for several more years.
 
Richard's life was marked by his selfless service to both his country and his community. He honorably served in the United States Navy, embodying values of honor and dedication throughout his life. Richard's love for photography shone through in his beautiful captures of nature, flowers, and bees. His passion extended beyond photography; as a devoted member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Staunton, he contributed significantly by serving on the Kitchen Committee and assisting in planning the annual parish picnic. He also dedicated time to Meals on Wheels.
 
Alongside his loving wife of an impressive seventy years, Evelyn Mae McIntyre Sica, Richard volunteered at the church's Adoration Chapel. Theirs was a beautiful love story - high school sweethearts who hardly spent a solitary hour apart, she was the love of his life and the embodiment of how Saint Paul described true love in his first letter to the Corinthians. 
 
In addition to his professional accomplishments and community involvement, Richard found immense joy in mentoring youth as a Boy Scout leader. He was a consummate fisherman and getting out onto the open waters was a true passion. His fishing trips to New Hampshire with his dear friend, Gene Aube was always one of his year's most memorable highlights. Fishing with his daughter after a long day at work was also a regular, quiet moment he so very deeply cherished.
 
There is little doubt that those who knew him would agree that he was the epitome of compassion and care.
 
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Pamela Jo Sica, and a brother, Joseph Henry Sica. 
 
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Santina "Tina" M. Ricci and her husband, Richard; his grandsons, Jason and Jeremy Wood and Michael Ricci; his granddaughter, Lea Ricci and her fiancé, Darrell; his brother, Charles Thomas Sica; his brother-in-law, Francis Hine and his wife, Trish; his nephew, Thomas Hine; his niece, Melissa Hine; as well as his special friends Dan Whittaker, Joan Whittaker, and Jean Slaughter, and his beloved cat, Pumpkin.
 
The family would like to especially thank Kaitlyn, Tiffany, and Angie of the Hospice of the Shenandoah for all their care, compassion, and support during this time.
 
A rosary service will be will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.The family will receive friends following the rosary. A funeral mass will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesboro with the Reverend Matthias Lusembo officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.
 
It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project (P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675).