John Dion Wilcox

Old Lyme- John Dion Wilcox, 72, of Old Lyme, CT, died peacefully at home on Monday, January 8, 2018. Born June 13, 1945, in Plainfield, CT, he graduated from Plainfield High School, where he was class president and salutatorian. Afterwards, John attended the University of Connecticut, earning bachelors of science and masters degrees in engineering. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lorraine (DiCicco) Wilcox, and they were married on June 17, 1967, in Wethersfield, CT.

They moved to New London, CT, and later settled in Old Lyme, where they have lived for over 40 years. John worked as a mechanical engineer for the Naval Underwater Warfare Center in New London, East Lyme, and Newport, RI, and retired after a distinguished career in 2000, earning the Sonar Bow Award for his technical leadership in support of surface ship towed arrays.

A devoted father and husband, John coached farm team and little league baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer in Old Lyme for his children and countless others, preaching fundamentals and sportsmanship. He was a man of great integrity and intellect and enjoyed gardening, reading, and history. In addition, he was a passionate supporter of UConn men’s and women’s basketball and football, the New York Yankees, and the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team. In recent years, John made a seamless transition from father to “Papa” to his three grandchildren who brought him great joy and happiness. His sense of humor and wit were constantly on display, especially when donning his various “props” to bring smiles and laughter to their faces. John was the ultimate family man: a bastion of strength, selflessness, and generosity.

John leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Lorraine (DiCicco) Wilcox; his children David Wilcox of Old Lyme, Dawn (Wilcox) Bailey and her husband Paul of Eldersburg, MD, and Brian Wilcox and his wife Erica of Cromwell; three grandchildren: Morgan, Paul, and Harper; his sister Mary (Wilcox) Sumner and her companion, Joe Deojay of Plainfield; a sister-in-law Jodi Wilcox of East Hampton; brother-in-law Robert DiCicco and his wife Judy of Wethersfield; sister-in-law Joan Pacheco and her husband George of Raynham, MA; sister-in-law Diane DiCicco of Wethersfield, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Stephen and Yvette Wilcox, brother Robert Wilcox, in-laws Anthony and Welcome DiCicco, sister-in-law Ann DiCicco, and brother-in-law Tony DiCicco.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 12th, at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme, CT, at 11 am. There will be no calling hours. Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you treat your loved ones with the same love, respect, and kindness that John bestowed upon his.