On a solemn Friday morning, January 19, 2024, the community of Willoughby will gather at Immaculate Conception Church, 37940 Euclid Ave., to bid a final farewell to a beloved patriarch, Joseph Picciano. A Funeral Mass, presided over by Father Michael Troha, will be a poignant moment to honor the life of a man whose journey began in the quaint village of Oratino, in the Campobasso region of Italy, on September 25, 1937. Joseph, aged 86, transcended from this world on Monday, January 15, 2024, surrounded by the warmth of his residence and the comforting presence of his cherished family. His legacy is imprinted not only in the Italian soil of his birthplace but also in the hearts of those he touched throughout his remarkable life.
A stalwart member of Immaculate Conception Church in Willoughby, Joseph’s faith was an integral part of his identity. The Funeral Mass at this sacred space, where he sought solace and shared his spiritual journey, becomes a fitting tribute to a man whose life was intertwined with his unwavering devotion to God. Joseph’s roots, deeply embedded in both Italian and American soil, speak of a life rich in cultural diversity. As a member of the Unione E. Fratellanza Oratinese Club and U.A.W. Local 1005, he found camaraderie and community beyond his family. These affiliations reflect his commitment to preserving the traditions of his heritage and contributing to the fabric of his adopted homeland.
For Joseph, family was paramount. His love and dedication to his wife of 62 years, Maria Luciana “Lulu” Picciano (nee Pinto), created a foundation of enduring love. Their union was a testament to the bonds forged through shared joys and weathering life’s storms together. Joseph’s role as a loving father extended to William “Bill” (Michele) Picciano and Michael Picciano (Trish Warnock), carrying forward his legacy of love, guidance, and familial unity. In the role of grandfather, Joseph found profound joy. Alexander (Alyssa Green), Abby, and Milena were not just his grandchildren; they were the living embodiment of his enduring love and the promise of a future he held close to his heart.
Joseph’s siblings, Veronica (Celestine) Guliano and Dante (Carmelina) Picciano, were more than family; they were his companions through life’s journey. In the embrace of brotherhood, he found comfort, understanding, and shared laughter. The presence of Veronica, Dante, and their families during this time of grief will undoubtedly be a source of solace. As he embarked on his final journey, Joseph leaves behind not only a loving family but also cherished memories woven into the fabric of the Picciano family tapestry. He is survived by his sister-in-law Lucia Picciano, and his brothers-in-law Joseph and Carolina Fatica. The nieces and nephews, both close and extended, were recipients of his kindness, wisdom, and affectionate spirit.
Joseph’s departure marks the reunion with those who preceded him in death—his parents, Guglielmo and Maria Luigia (nee Gentile) Picciano, and his brother, Severino Picciano. Together, they rest in the embrace of eternal peace. Before the Funeral Mass, friends and well-wishers will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Joseph and offer condolences to his grieving family. The McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, will open its doors from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, providing a space for shared memories and expressions of sympathy. After the Mass, as the echoes of prayers linger in the hallowed halls of Immaculate Conception Church, Joseph’s earthly remains will find their final resting place at Willoughby Cemetery. A tranquil space that mirrors the serenity he brought to the lives of those he loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gestures of remembrance be directed to a cause close to Joseph’s heart. Contributions may be made to honor his memory and continue his legacy of love, family, and faith. Joseph Picciano’s life was a mosaic of love, faith, and enduring family bonds. In the tapestry of his existence, each thread represents a shared moment, a whispered word of wisdom, and a legacy that will echo through generations. As the community gathers to say their goodbyes, they do so not with sorrow, but with gratitude for having been touched by the life of Joseph Picciano—a man who, in his own quiet way, left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him.
