Obituary of Sandillo Fico

Sandillo “Sandy” Fico, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at his family home in Madison where he was born 96 years ago. Surrounded by the love of his family, Sandy's departure marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to family, hard work and the beauty of the world around him.

Sandy is survived by his beloved wife of 76 years, Gloria Fico (Monaco); his two daughters, Nancy Skurla and her husband Peter & Gloria McElroy and her husband Robert; one son, Dominic Fico and his wife Donna; six grandchildren, Andrew McElroy and his wife Michele, Kimberly Kranz and her husband Charles, Katherine Lark, P.J. Skurla and his wife Shawna, Christina Fico, Rachel Fico and her husband Mustafa Mirza; twelve great-grandchildren, Avery McElroy, Lindsey Lark, Emma McElroy, Dominick Kranz, Carleigh Lark, Robert Kranz, Shane Lark, Crew Skurla, Nicholas Kranz, Shepard Skurla, Ainsley McElroy & Teddy Skurla; numerous nieces and nephews; and many extended family members.

In addition to his parents, the late Dominick and Marie A. Fico, Sandy was predeceased by his two grandsons, Sandy and Riley; one grandson-in-law, Chad Lark; three sisters, Madeline Marcantonio, Vera Marcantonio and Betty Ferris; and three brothers, Salvatore Fico, Ralph Fico and Frank Fico.

As the youngest of seven children in the Fico family, Sandy grew up on Central Avenue, where he learned the values of love, faith and perseverance. His childhood was filled with the warmth of a close-knit and faith-filled family, and it was here that he developed a strong work ethic, beginning his journey in the rose greenhouses of Madison as a teenager.

Sandy's love story with his cherished wife Gloria began many years ago, and together they created a nurturing home on Central Avenue, where they raised their family. Sandy was a devoted husband and a proud father, always placing his family at the center of his life. His pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was evident, as he celebrated their achievements and milestones with joy and enthusiasm.

Professionally, Sandy was a talented mason whose dedication to his craft was unmatched. He began his career with Marcantonio Brothers, where they helped play a pivotal role in moving and renovating the family home in Madison. Later, he devoted over thirty years to the Morris County Road Department, where his commitment to excellence and high standards left a lasting impact.

Beyond his work, Sandy found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He and Gloria cherished their trips to Cape May, a special destination that held countless memories for them. An avid outdoorsman, Sandy enjoyed fishing and hunting, and his green thumb allowed him to cultivate a beautiful garden that he tended to with love, even in his later years. His affection for dogs was evident, as he bred them in his younger days, sharing his home with loyal companions.

Sandy Fico was a truly good man whose legacy of love and hard work will resonate through the generations. His family is grateful for the years he dedicated to making their lives better, and they will carry his memory in their hearts forever. Sandy's spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him, reminding us all of the importance of family, dedication and the beauty of life.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Sandy to be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those who wish to attend the mass virtually, please visit www.svmnj.org/livestream-mass

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandy's honor to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.