1957 - 2016
Visitation
August 3, 20164:00 to 7:00 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
August 3, 20167:00 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home
Joseph V. LoCicero, 58, of Jefferson, SC formerly of ME died Wed. July 27, 2016 at the Regency Acute Hospital in Florence, SC.
He was the husband of Sharon (Jackson) LoCicero with whom he would have celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary on November 4.
Born in Lowell, MA on December 5, 1957, he was a son of the late Vincent and Marion LoCicero. He attended Kennett High School in Conway, NH.
Joe worked independently as a Certified ASE, Master Auto Technician and an Automotive Claims Inspector. He was also self-taught in many trades.
His greatest achievement and happiest day was when he was recognized for the quality of maintenance in his 1 million mile 1990 Honda Accord in 2011.
He enjoyed deep sea fishing and the automotive world.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Christy and her husband, Matthew Callahan of Topsham, ME and Jessica LoCicero of Flagstaff, AZ; two brothers, James LoCicero of Brookline, NH and David and his wife Carol LoCicero of Hudson, NH; two sisters, Susan and her husband John Young of Waterford, ME, Debra and her husband David Johnson of Brookline, NH; two grandchildren, Victoria LoCicero-Alfano and Aidan Callahan; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Laurel Pointon of Nicoma Park, OK.
Visiting hours Wednesday 4 to 7 P.M. with a Funeral Service at 7:00 P.M. in the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD,MA. Cremation at Merrimack Crematory, Merrimack, NH. Memorials in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-9917.
Ron & Sandi Stika
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Although we weren’t able to spend a lot of time with Joe because of distance, we enjoyed being with him when we could make it to Maine. He was a gracious host whenever we came to visit. We enjoyed listening to his dialogue on various subjects as he was very knowledgeable. The 1990 Honda was, of course, his favorite subject and rightfully so because he dedicated himself to the dream that came true… One Million Miles! I think Joe must be up there in Heaven, tinkering around, fixing up something for the Lord. Rest in Peace, Joe. We love you and we’ll miss you.
Ron & Sandi Stika
Ron and Karen Gilbert
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I met Joe in Conway NH. We were both 17 yrs.old. We worked and socialized together for a couple of years, having many a good time. I was thrilled to get reacquainted with him later in life, as our families became friends. I followed him on his million mile journey. I was inspired by his accomplishments, and was proud to call him my friend.
Karen and I offer our sincerest condolences to Sharon and family. We will miss him. Rest in peace my friend.
Ron and Karen Gilbert
Sid and Roberta Gordon
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Sid and I are so sorry for your loss. God be with you all at this time.
Bob Petitti
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Dear Sharon, Christy, Jessica – cousins Jim, David, Debbie and Susan – So sorry to hear about Joes passing. He was a gentle an loving soul who will be missed by all of you and other family and friends left behind but be joined up with his Mom, Dad, Laurie and other dear friends. Best to you all in this time. All my love, Cousin Bob Petitti and wife Michele
Ron Russell
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Hi Sharon,
Thank you for your call yesterday. Again I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss of Joe. I tried to re-arrange my schedule today to try and ride down to go to Joe’s service, but was unable to do so. However, I did want to send you some thoughts on my limited, but meaningful time with Joe. Please share these thoughts with whoever you like, I certainly would have expressed them in person if I had been able to come today.
From the moment I met Joe that first day in Darling’s parking lot and he showed me his car, I kind of knew here was a guy who was passionate and determined, but not showy and full of an overcharged opinion of himself. I think that first look at his car where I didn’t really realize what he had done and Joe’s simple insistence that I take a closer was indicative of Joe’s understatement in what he was doing, but it also gave me a sense of his frustration that the world wasn’t looking. For me what he was doing was totally over the top and I wanted everyone to know. The more Joe told me about the car, his work, his records,and how it all seemed to coincide with the work he had been doing all those years, it was making something clearly meaningful to him a reality.
The next couple of years my relationship with Joe, “True Blue”, Sharon, people from Honda, videos, parade, “New Blue”, the Tour, and all that was to follow were some of the highlights of my 40 plus year career for a number of reasons. While those times definitely were filled with moments of joy and anticipation and yes some disappointment for Joe, I think in the end of the day what is lasting for me is that Joe did get to live and sense through the eyes of others real pride, accomplishment, and fulfillment of working hard to reach a goal that had meaning to others. Yeah maybe it was just a car and a guy and a lot of miles, but to many, many others it is “true” inspiration to reach their own goals. Ironically I received the following email on Monday from a young man in Australia who I have yet to write back.
From: Charlie Munns [mailto:charliemunns@optusnet.com.au]
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2016 8:35 AM
To: Ron Russell
Subject: Million Mile Joe
Hi there Ron,
I found “Million Mile” Joe’s story a while back on YouTube. I haven’t seen any updates for a while.
I wanted to ask, if you know, Is Joe’s Million Mile Accord still going? I’m quite curious.
I am 15 years old, and I inherited my grandfather’s car, a 1997 Toyota Camry XV10 (2.2). Since I was a little boy, I have wanted to keep it until it is well over 1.5 Million Kilometres (I’m from Australia). It’s only at 68,000KMs now, so there is a while to go, but I have no intentions of letting it out of my possession until it is well and truly worn beyond help. Perhaps then I will still keep it in a garage.
I found his story very interesting and inspiring, also I found it odd to see someone else who loves their car so much, like myself.
Anyway, just thought I would ask.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Charlie R Munns
I know to his family he was much more than “Million Mile Joe” and that he will be truly missed. For me he was both a good guy I came to know and “Million Mile Joe” and I will remember him like this……. he was a passionate, determined man and I think I’ve learned through the years that having a devotion to anything that is inherently simple and good in its own right can take you far in the eyes of others. He certainly went far for me and it looks like young Charlie Munns too. Happy travels Joe!!!
Ron Russell
Director of Operations (Honda & others)
Darling’s
Kevin Abraham
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Joe- you were and still are one of my heroes. Your story was what I wanted to recreate one time in my life- one of passion, emotion and utmost success. Your story inspired me whenever I felt down because- like you- I love Honda and I love their quality and longevity. I always wanted to meet you- and that was actually one of my life goals. I am upset that I didn’t get to- but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I loved how humble you were as a human being. I could tell from your videos with the Blue Lollipop that you were humble about your accomplishments and loved your Accord to pieces- even though Sharon might not have approved of that love. I was enthralled that you responded to my emails even though I was merely an 18 year old with silly hopes and dreams and a small, blue Honda Civic and I apologize for not responding. I actually had a draft written and I just let time pass without sending it. In your last email you sent me, you said you were writing a book. I am sad to see that such knowledge and abilities you could have shared with the world will never be seen. You were one of God’s most prized possessions and I hope he is holding you dearly in his hands. I hope and feel strongly that you lived an oh so gracious and fulfilling life and you can look down from heaven with pride. You are greatly loved and will be missed. I love you so much as a human being and mentor and I hope you are at peace in heaven. Sharon, I hope you are also at peace knowing that this was God’s plan. This is much easier said than done, but I hope the process of grieving won’t pain you to extents you cannot handle. You are definitely an amazing woman for having supported such an amazing man and I only send my deepest regrets and condolences. This is life and I guess it can get difficult and messy at times. Keep on trekking. – Kevin Abraham
Angelo de Dios
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Hello Sharon.
I was deeply saddened by the news of Joe’s death but I am comforted by the fact that he lived a full life.
He was a great person. I always had a high regard for him and I could confidently say that despite knowing him briefly.
He is definitely in a better place right now, comfortably resting, and always guiding and guarding you.
We will miss him.
Rest in Peace, Joe.
Victoria LoCicero-Alfano
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I couldn’t have asked for a better grandfather. I still remember how he’d bring home our favorite dessert on nights I’d visit, and the tea parties we’d have when I was small. I remember how hard he worked, and how far he traveled to do what he loved every day.
I’m seventeen now, and I recently got my first car. When I drive it, I sometimes think of him and if he’d approve of it or not. And every time I hear the engine make a noise that it isn’t supposed to make, I think of how he’d probably insist on fixing it himself. I miss him with all my heart, and I wish that he was still with us today through all the important milestones.
I miss you, grandpie Joe, and I wish we had more time together.
Love, Victoria
Sharon L. LoCicero
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❤️
John Bruestle
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I am a 25 year, high school, automotive teacher and, I am currently teaching automotive at Carmel High School in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California. For the past 10 years, I have used Joe’s story of his million mile Honda to show my students how long you can keep a car going if you maintain it properly.
I was checking on-line to see what happened to Joe’s car and noticed it is in the Honda museum and found our about his passing.
My condolences Sharon to you and your whole family. I apologize about this being so long after the fact.