Obituary of Felice Piccolo

Felice Piccolo, a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2023. He was 92.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Rosa Piccolo (née Lo Sapio); his devoted children Anthony Piccolo (wife Jill), Immaculata Prisco, Salvatore Piccolo (wife AnnaMaria), and Valarie Delli Paoli (husband Mike); plus his cherished grandchildren Santino, Amalia, Arlo, Salvatore, Fiorella, Christina, Michael, David, Jeffrey, and Lauren; and his treasured great-grandchildren Gianna, DJ, and Sophia; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Antonietta (née Infinito), his son Archie Piccolo; his brothers Salvatore and Santino Piccolo; and his sister Rosa Corcione.

Felice was born in Brusciano, Italy on December 16, 1930 to the late Antonio and Immacolata Piccolo (née Corcione), the youngest of four siblings. He came to America when he was 20 years old, with his 20 year old bride Antonietta, met in a nearby village. Together chasing the American Dream, they settled in Madison, and he began taking the bus every morning to his first job at Lionel Trains in Irvington.

Felice and Antonietta became parents to Anthony, Immaculata, and Archie. Antonietta lost a leg in Italy at age 12 to a German bomb, braved life and motherhood, but eventually succumbed to illnesses, losing her life just before age 39.

A few years later, Felice met his beloved wife, Rosa, while on vacation in Italy. After coming back to America, Felice and Rosa sent each other love letters for 4 months before he returned to Italy to marry her on December 28, 1972. After the wedding, Felice brought Rosa back to Madison where they raised their family. Rosa lovingly became an instant mother to Felice's 1st children, courageously taking on a new language and customs in a new country where she knew no one. Together they parented 2 more beautiful children, Salvatore and Valarie.

Felice was an extremely hard worker, working as a laborer and an interior painter in Madison. He was an avid gardener, growing flowers and many kinds of vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and many others. His meticulous garden even landed him in the pages of the Madison Eagle in an article for his impressive tomatoes. His meticulous nature also extended to his attire. He enjoyed looking sharp and wearing nice clothes and shoes.

Felice was a lover of all animals, both domestic and wild. He adored his dog, Spokes, and he enjoyed feeding the wildlife that frequented his yard. He was even able to befriend and hand-feed a squirrel regularly. After retirement, Felice and Rosa traveled across the United States, and to Aruba, Bermuda, and their native Italy.

Above all, Felice adored his family and did everything he could for them. He will be deeply missed, but his family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation for Felice on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually at www.svmnj.org.

A committal service will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.