Joseph E. Cicero

Joseph Edward Cicero of Washington, DC passed away peacefully at his home August 30, 2024 at age 91. He is survived by his wife Lois of 67 years. Joseph was born in Newark, NJ May 31, 1933 to Michael and Anna Naso Cicero. As a child he watched WW II fighter planes over his home and dreamed of flying. He pursued his dream to become a US Navy fighter pilot (USNR LTJG), flying the North American FJ-3 Fury and serving in squadron VF-21 aboard the carrier USS Forrestal. He met his wife Lois while stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach. After retiring from the Navy, Joseph graduated from Drew University, received his Masters degree from Notre Dame, and his PhD in Mathematics from the University of South Carolina. He pursued a career as a mathematics professor, teaching at the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of South Carolina, before serving and retiring as Dean of the School of Math and Computer Science at Coastal Carolina University. He also served as President of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges and was a founder and Chairman of Summit Teleservices, Inc., a provider of long-distance telecommunications services.

After retirement, Joseph moved with his wife to Washington, DC to be near his children and grandchildren, and their constant presence immeasurably enriched the last 20 years of his life.

Additional survivors include his son Michael (and Laura Jehl) of Chevy Chase, MD, his daughters Nancy Cicero (and Lou) Morsberger of Chevy Chase, MD and Drs. Mary (and Branislav) Romanic of Frederick, MD; his seven grandchildren: Nicholas and Daniel Cicero, Layne and John Morsberger, and Joseph, Anna and Sarah Romanic; and his sister Ann Racanelli of Jackson, NJ. He was predeceased by his daughter Lucille Cicero who passed in 1980 and his sister Frances Mohamadi who passed in 2023.

A funeral mass will be held at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Washington, DC.