Joseph Patrick Ficele

The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:20-24 “...Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Joseph Patrick Ficele lived out this dynamic faithfully for 86 years until he departed to be with Christ on Tuesday December 19, 2023. He was nicknamed Lazarus because of the many pulls between the two worlds. The last pull included a recent dream received by his daughter Kimberly of his deceased disabled wife, Pamela, jumping joyfully on a trampoline calling him home.

Born in Aberdeen, WA on March 17, 1937. Nurtured by Italian immigrant parents, George Ficele and Anna (Rosati) and educated by the Dominican Sisters at Saint Mary's grade school. A loving middle brother to Philip Ficele (deceased) (wife Florence, deceased), and devoted younger sister Eleanor Ficele. Married in union at Saint Paul Cathedral for 47 years to his loving wife, Pamela Renee (Couchman, deceased). A dedicated father to three daughters: Jodi Dunton (husband Kevin), Kimberly Ficele-Jones (husband Duane) and Lisa Brown (husband Jeff). Grandfather to six grandchildren: Sam, Isabella, Luca, Matteo, Norianna, and Oriella. Uncle to George Ficele (deceased) and wife Jackie, Cheryl Ficele, and Eva To (husband Lai and children Philip and Nathan). Joe would also want to mention all the many cousins who have supported him over the years along with his old time friends. And thanks to all of his “angels” (care givers) over the years including Rose, Maritza, Ofelia, and Quinella and his most recent angels Fatima, Sylvia, Melissa(s), Ashley, Lora and Kim Savage supervisor with Home Care Services.

In trying to describe 86 years of Joe’s life, his character is what will be remembered most. He knew the order of life which was to put God first as a devout Catholic (Holy Redeemer Church), then family, then others, then himself. He gave everything he had to everyone and would want to thank Monsignor Ecker, Father Villarreal, Father Hadley, and Deacon Berger. A man of sacrifice, most noted in his loving care and commitment to his wife Pam, who he served despite health trials of a massive brain tumor in her thirties and the physical and mental effects thereafter, and pancreatic cancer at her end. His daughters only saw their dad as a man who led by example, loved by action, and unconditionally received everyone. Besides his marriage, he taught them the value of relationships displayed by all the activities he was chosen to lead because of his humble, quiet, yet funny, demeanor. His involvement included his service to the United States Army, Burlington Northern SantaFe railroad for 42 years, CYO baseball, Holy Names Society at Holy Redeemer, and Sons and Daughters of Italy. Lastly, but surely very meaningful was his relationship with his beloved sister, Eleanor. In the last 20 years of Joe’s life he could only be seen through the lens of Eleanor as the two were very close, sharing the same passions of Mariner baseball, Gonzaga basketball, Saint Patrick’s Day green birthdays, and many dear friends like Jack McCormick and the many kisses from Nancy’s dog, Baci. Amidst these passions was a continual flow of Joe’s health problems that numbered too many to name and would exhaust anyone and yet Eleanor and Joe clung to Jesus as they powered through unbelievable circumstances, hence giving Joe the nickname Lazarus, through three almost death experiences. Accordingly and with thanksgiving, he would like to acknowledge the many years of care by Dr. Dornink along with Dr. Monick, Dr. McLaughlin, Dr. Mannen, Dr. Hopp, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Kumar, and physician assistant Holloway and nurse Judy Hanratty both with the Veterans Clinic, Kelly the Cumadin Pharmacist, ALTC, and Mountain View Home Health.

Joe will be missed beyond words, but rejoice with us that God granted him peace, and look forward to seeing him again along with many other beloved family members, especially Christ Jesus.

• Friday Dec. 29: Viewing from 4-8pm. Vigil at 6pm. Please come share your memories of Joe at Keith & Keith Funeral Home located at 902 West Yakima Avenue Yakima, WA.

• Saturday Dec. 30: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am. Holy Redeemer Catholic Church located at 1707 3rd Avenue Yakima, WA.

• Tuesday Jan. 2: Final Committal Blessing at 10am at Calvary Cemetery’s mausoleum at 1405 South 24th Ave Yakima, WA.

Memorials can be made to: 1) Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and 2) Monsignor John A. Ecker Foundation (for Christ the Teacher Catholic School).