On September 15, 2017, Deacon John Francis Sicilia (73) took his last breath and passed from this world to the next.  It was a blessing from God that he was able to be surrounded by the prayerful presence of family and dear friends.

A Spokane native, he was born to John Vito Sicilia and Mary (Lamanna) on May 3, 1944. John graduated Gonzaga Prep High School and began a career as a respiratory therapist at Deaconess Hospital where he met his bride, Vikki Brown. They married July 18, 1964 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Deacon John is survived by four children Kristina Sicilia, Michele Oestreicher (Al), Doug Sicilia, Joseph Sicilia (Kali); Ten grandchildren, Justin, Mirissa, Joseph, Sarah, Paul, Kayla, Zeb, Jesse, Nick, Rachel; four great grandchildren, Payton, Porter, Piper, and Lily Rose; And while not a branch on his family tree, John considered Father Darrin Connall his son and the family of Father Connall a part of his own.

It is not possible to quantify the number of lives that John touched from his time as a respiratory therapist, the owner of his floral business, and his true vocation as a deacon in the Catholic Church. John was ordained on September 28, 1985 and served at St. Thomas More Parish, St. Charles Parish and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes. John never considered his role in the Catholic Church as “work”. It was his calling, his passion, and a true life’s joy.

Deacon John was a servant.  He proclaimed the Gospel, preached, and taught in the name of the Church.  His integrity of life drew people to the joy of the Catholic Faith.  Deacon John helped numerous people to join the Catholic Church through his leadership of the RCIA program.  His ministry to the poor and marginalized led him to visit the imprisoned, care for the homeless, and comfort people whose lives were afflicted by the AIDS virus.  His sacramental ministry extended to assisting at the altar, baptizing, witnessing marriages, presiding at funerals, burying the dead, and leading the faithful in prayer.  Thousands have been touched by his ministry. 

Deacon John was preceded in death by his father, John, mother, Mary, wife Vikki and sisters Beverly Jay and Jackie Morgan.

An endowment has been established by the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes to preserve the legacy of Deacon John’s service.  Donations may be made to: “The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes” with the notation “Deacon John Endowment”.  All donations will be placed in a permanent endowment named in honor of Deacon John Sicilia.  Contributions may be mailed to: 

Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes

Attn: Deacon John Endowment

1115 W. Riverside Ave

Spokane, WA  99201

Distributions from the “Deacon John Sicilia Endowment” will be used in perpetuity to support the mission and ministry of the Cathedral.

We praise God for the life of Deacon John Sicilia and his belief in eternal life. May the Lord now reward him with the crown that awaits all good and faithful servants.

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