John J. Ciccarone

John J. Ciccarone, age 97, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, following a brave battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Devoted and dearly loved husband of Patricia (nee DeSimone) Ciccarone and his first wife, the late Norma Ciccarone. Loving father of Thomas Ciccarone, Todd Ciccarone and the late Donald (Susan) Ciccarone and three step-children, Henry Vare, Deborah Vare and Jennifer Vare; Adoring “Pop Pop” of Thomas (Dina) Ciccarone, Julie (James) Judge, Donald Ciccarone, Jr., Megan (Brian) Davolos, John Ciccarone, Todd Ciccarone, Jr. and Lauren Ciccarone; and fourteen beautiful great-grandchildren; dear brother of the late Donald Ciccarone and Francis Ciccarone.

Born and raised in West Chester, where he spent most of his life, the son of John and Frances Ciccarone, John attended St. Agnes Grade School. After graduating from West Chester High School in 1946, he attended the University of Georgia, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry-sciences. In 1952 he was drafted into the U.S. Army Medical Corp where he proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Korean War veteran.

John was employed by DuPont in Delaware as a Research Chemist while continuing his education at Villanova University in Advanced Chemistry and Statistics. In 1960, John had the opportunity to open a very successful dry-cleaning business known as Parkway Cleaners. He then went on to his lifelong passion as a real estate developer and owner of a variety of shopping centers, residential subdivisions and medical office buildings throughout Delaware and Chester Counties.

As an active member of his community, John served on the Board of Directors of The First National Bank and The Chester County Hospital Foundation, as well as serving in an advisory capacity at West Chester University. In 1998, John was presented with The Outstanding Citizen Award and was known for his tireless efforts as a supporter for organizations such as the YMCA, The Chester County Hospital, West Chester University, United Way of Chester County, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Downs Syndrome Foundation, the Arc of Chester County, St. Agnes Church, the West Chester Area Senior Center and the Boy Scouts of America. In his final years, John continued managing nine medical office buildings closely associated with The Chester County Hospital-Penn Medicine.

John enjoyed flying and his yearly sailing trips in the Caribbean, spending summers with his family at the Jersey shore in Stone Harbor and winter vacations in Florida and Puerto Rico. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and University of Georgia football fan! He will always be remembered as a kind, generous and mild-mannered family man who gave generously to the community which he loved and was always there to help family and friends whenever the need. John’s legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Thursday, June 11th from 10:00 AM–11:45 am at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay St. West Chester, PA 19380 followed by his Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM

Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in John’s honor to The St. Agnes Church, 233 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380