Francisco Miccio

He was born on August 24, 1939, in Montevideo, Uruguay, to Romeo Miccio and Guillermina Albornoz de Miccio, both of whom predeceased him. A devoted Catholic, Francisco lived a life rooted in faith, family, creativity, and service to others.

Francisco is survived by his beloved wife, Lilian Miccio of Oneonta, New York. He was a loving father to Marcelo Origoni and his wife, Linda Beers Origoni, of Oneonta, New York, and their children, Xavier and Mateo Origoni; Adrian Origoni and his wife, Jaclyn Couden Origoni, of Oneonta, New York, and their children, Christian and Santiago Origoni; Karina Miccio Walker and her husband, Andrew Walker, of Oneonta, New York, and their children, Gabriel and Daniel Walker; and Martin Miccio of Oneonta, New York.

He is also survived by his sister, Renee Miccio of Port St. Lucie, Florida; his niece, Anabell Alonso; his great-nieces, Alesandria Alonso and Vanessa Alonso of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; his brother-in-law, William Cassoli of Varennes, Quebec, Canada; and his great-nephew and great-niece, Damian Cassoli and Anahi Cassoli.

In addition to his parents, Francisco was predeceased by his nephew, Alejandro Alonso.

As a young man in Montevideo, Francisco pursued a technical education at the Escuela de Enseñanza Industrial. After graduation, he began his career as a marine drafter at the Port of Montevideo, continuing a family tradition established by his father, Romeo, a port clerk, and his grandfather Francisco, who worked as a marine salvor and tug owner.

His passion for art emerged early. While working, he studied drawing, painting, and sculpture at the Instituto Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes in Montevideo and further refined his craft through a private apprenticeship with renowned Spanish artist and master carver Javier Nieva.

In his early twenties, Francisco embarked on an extraordinary journey that took him from Argentina through South and Central America before arriving in the United States. During his year-long travels, he supported himself as a working artist, mastering ceramic techniques in Peru and Colombia while exhibiting his work in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.

After settling in New York City, Francisco worked at Sculpture House Casting before becoming a member of the Spanish American Painters & Sculptors, Inc., exhibiting alongside fellow artists at prestigious venues including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum between 1970 and 1975. He later enjoyed a long and successful career as a cosmetics display model maker, first with Daumann Displays in New York City and ultimately retiring from Display Producers.

Throughout his life, Francisco remained dedicated to his artistic calling. He created commissioned works for churches and private collectors, taught art both in the United States and abroad, and exhibited his work internationally. His preferred medium was direct carving, transforming wood and stone using only chisels and gouges. His legacy lives on through works that grace several churches in upstate New York, including a baptismal font in Stamford, angel candelabras in Worcester, and a sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cooperstown.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Francisco found joy in countless creative pursuits. He loved gardening and delighted in exploring new artistic crafts, including jewelry making and candle making. Whether in his workshop carving wood, shaping stone, or experimenting with a new project, he found fulfillment in creating with his hands. Equally meaningful to him was sharing his knowledge, generously teaching his skills to others and giving his handcrafted creations to family and friends.

In his youth, Francisco sang as a member of the choir at the Centro Euskaro-Español in Montevideo and was an active member of the Montevideo Rowing Club. Later in life, he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus in Stamford, New York, reflecting his enduring commitment to his faith and community.

Francisco will be remembered not only for his remarkable artistic talent but also for his generosity, quiet wisdom, strong work ethic, and unwavering devotion to his family. His creativity, kindness, and craftsmanship have left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and his legacy will continue through both the works he created and the lives he touched.

In memory of Francisco, his family compiled a slideshow of his artwork which can be viewed here: www.franciscomiccio.com

A memorial mass, followed by a reception, will take place on Friday, July 24 at noon, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 201 Main Street Worcester, NY 12197.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Francisco's memory.

Arrangements are by Grummons-Bookhout-Bennett Funerals & Cremations.

Please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence for Francisco’s family.