| It is with a heavy heart that we must share the news that Past Chief Dante J. Pacicca died on March 28, 2018 at age 85. He was the youngest son of John and Martha Pacicca, preceded in death by brothers Edward, Rudy, and John. He lived in Purchase his entire life and had a landscaping and excavation business for many years with Rudy. In 1987 he began working full time at Manhattanville College as senior grounds supervisor until late last year. Dante was a US Army veteran and loved watching and reading about military history. He was also a 63 year proud member and past chief of the Purchase Fire Department, which was his second home. Dante was especially known for his love of all things growing and his talent with plants. Many a friend and coworker will find him tinkering in his greenhouse and he delighted in bringing care packages of fresh flowers and vegetables to everyone. Dante always had a smile and a joke and was known for his infectious laugh. He also spent time restoring his 1960 Thunderbird and 1942 Ford Jeep, both of which he probably drove to car shows and parades. He was a proud supporter of the Manhattanville Athletic Department and devoted much of his time to the baseball, softball and soccer teams, both in field preparation and cheering them on as a fan. He was also a lifelong ardent New York Yankees fan, rarely missing a game, and making the pilgrimage to visit the Babe, Lou, and Billy before each season. Dante is survived by his children, Donna, John, Edwin, and Diana (Ricci) Pacicca, grandchildren Cory Pacicca, Dante and Dominic DeCicco and sons-in-law Dominic DeCicco and Gregory Ricci.
Visitations will be Friday from 4 to 9 PM at the Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, 2 Maple Avenue at South Broadway in White Plains, NY. Funeral service will be Saturday at 9:30am at the Funeral Home. He will be buried in the Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye, NY. Memorial contributions can be made in Dante’s memory to the Purchase Volunteer Fire Department or to the American Legion. |
