James (Jay) W. Cicero, Jr.

Died unexpectedly February 9, 2024 at age 73 from complications of cancer. Predeceased by parents, James W. Cicero, Sr. and Isabel E. Cicero. Survived by sons, Richard W. Cicero and Joseph C. (Greta) Cicero; fiancée, Maureen Mitchell; grandchildren, Kristina (Paul) Conklin, Jonathan Cicero (fiancée, Brianna Dennis), Jared (Naomi) Cicero, Riley Cicero, and Andrew Cicero; great-grandchild, Charlotte Conklin; stepchildren, Melissa (Nathan) Shaw and Benjamin (Stacey) Bruce; siblings, Catherine Cicero, Robert (Eugenia) Cicero, Richard (Kelly) Cicero, Kimberly Austen, Jill Cicero, Paul Cicero (Ernestine Shumaker), Thomas (Terri) Cicero, and Anne-Marie Allen; many stepgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, including lifelong friend Richard Chiverton.

Jay was raised in Leicester, New York, the oldest of nine children. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1969 and served a year in Saigon during the Vietnam War. During his twelve years in the Air Force, both his sons were born and he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving military service, he lived in Texas for several years before returning to Western New York to live closer to family. Throughout his life, Jay was the ultimate "motorhead," with a passion for engines and fast vehicles, from his first Camaro to his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycles. During his recent illness, he took great joy in rebuilding a 1967 Camaro, as well as being with family and the companionship of a new puppy, JJ.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 18, from 2-6 pm at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester. A celebration of Jay's life will be held at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home on Monday, February 19, at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Veterans Outreach Center, 447 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620.