Amiel DeCicco

Baptized Aniello a Latin and Italian boy’s name meaning “little lamb”, Amiel DeCicco, the youngest of seven children, was born on February 18, 1925 in New York’s Greenwich Village to Marianina and Fiore DeCicco, immigrants from Italy. While in grammar school, a teacher wanting to anglicize his name changed it to a Hebrew name “Amiel” meaning “God of my people.”

Fiore was a butcher and owned a shop in the Village. As a child, Amiel assisted with deliveries and chores around the shop. Amiel followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a butcher as well. A lifelong union member, Amiel was hardworking and conscientious.

During World War 11, Amiel joined the service at the age of 17 and served honorably as a Navy medic. After the war he graduated from high school and began his employment as a journeyman butcher for the Great American Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York. There he met Mary Drabich, the love of his life. They married on May 11th 1952. He was a devoted, faithful and loving husband. They had two children, Patricia and Barbara and two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Melissa.

He was a tenderhearted, dependable, and protective father and a one-of-a-kind grandfather who adored and doted on his grandchildren. He was an uncle, great uncle and cousin to many family members, who knew and loved him dearly.

Recently, when Amiel (“Papa”) turned 90 years old, his granddaughter Melissa wrote a song which seems to sum up an entire feeling after knowing this man.

I don’t why I love you like I do; I don’t know why I just do

You don’t say much, but when you do, I stop and listen to what you say.

‘Cause you’re kind and gentle, kind of sentimental

And though you never care to say, you’re brave and honest…

And That’s why we love you dearly…

Papa’s Song ‘14

Arrangements under the direction of Thomas M. Quinn & Sons, Astoria, NY.