Richard Joseph Siciliano

Rich was born in the Bronx, NY. After graduating high school he joined the United States Marine Corps where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. After a brief tour in Vietnam, Rich returned home. In 1969, Rich married Patricia at the Holy Name Catholic church in West Palm Beach. That year he was also hired as a patrolman for the City of West Palm Beach Police Department where he worked for over thirty years. Rich battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 1979-1981. He recovered and continued working like he was never even sick. During his law enforcement career Rich was promoted up the ranks and received several awards and letters of commendation. He held positions in just about every area of the police department. He worked in the Patrol Division: Water Catchment Area detail, Tactical Unit; Traffic Division: Motors & Accident Investigations; Detective Division: Property, Arson, Auto Theft, Pawn Shop Detail; Community Services Bureau: D.A.R.E./Juvenile Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, Reserve Officers, Truancy Center; Community Policing Unit; Staff Services Division: Applicant Processing, Planning & Research, Photo Lab, Training. Rich earned Associate and Bachelor degrees, attending classes while working full time and taking care of his family. He volunteered on the loan committee at a local credit union. He participated in the Florida Law Enforcement Games, and coached the D.A.R.E. Little League baseball team. Rich was a certified Crime Prevention Practitioner, a member of the Palm Beach County Crime Prevention Officers Association, and an Honorary Kentucky Colonel. In 2001, Rich retired from the police department at the rank of Captain. After retirement, he went back to work doing security for the Village of Golf and the Palm Beach Kennel Club.

Rich enjoyed fishing, boating, watching baseball and football games, playing poker, car restoration, working on his home and rental properties, and spending time with family and friends.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Rose, and his sister Helen (Cahir). He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Patricia, sons Richard Jr. and Robert, granddaughters Lillian and Vanessa, sister Nancy (Cerbone), and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Rich was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who always did his best to help everyone he could. He will be missed, and he will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.