Joseph DeCicco (Joe) passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026 at Doylestown Hospital. He was born on February 19, 1932 in Glenside Pennsylvania to Frank and Antonette DeCicco.
Joe had two sisters, Katherine Angellilli (Carmen) of Bristol, PA, and Rita Gasbarra (Mario) of Abington, PA, with whom he remained very close throughout the years. Stories of the siblings’ early years making innocent mischief—from Joe being the “guard” of seat J10 at the Keswick Theatre for his sister Katherine to Rita and Joe listening to their favorite radio broadcasts “on the sneak”—were some of Joe’s favorites to tell. His innocent mischievousness and flare for storytelling kept the family well entertained.
Joe was quite an athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball for Abington High School until he had to cut short his education to assist with the family rose growing business.
In 1952 Joe was called upon to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. He loved the structure and discipline of the US Army and took great pride in his service. As a disabled American Veteran, Joe supported the DAV until his death.
After his honorable discharge Joe returned to the family business. Frank DeCicco and Son Greenhouses of Roslyn, PA, produced award-winning roses until 1973. Joe was very active within the professional grower arena. He was an integral contributor to the beginnings of the renowned Philadelphia Flower Show and served as president of Allied Florists of Greater Philadelphia.
Following the closure of the greenhouses, Joe moved his family to Doylestown PA, and endeavored upon various career opportunities within the horticultural field. He ventured into the world of horticultural consulting. He consulted for governments and private corporations in Venezuela, Chile, Holland, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. His first and true love, however, was growing roses.
In 1978 Joe established a rose farm, Rosas San Miguel, just outside of Antigua, Guatemala. He became an esteemed member of the Guatemalan community and was active in charitable endeavors. He provided office space and support to Doctors Without Borders, the Peace Corps, and Children of the Americas which provides surgical procedures for children with physical deformities. He was known throughout the area for having candy for the children as he traveled through the town and arranged for Christmas gifts for the orphanage in Antigua. Joe met notable politicians, sports figures, and movie stars who toured the farm upon the request of the US Embassy. Most notably, he was respected by his workers for his fair and respectful treatment.
Joe is survived by his daughter Gina Ventresca, his grandchildren Brittany Clark (Joe), Darby Malvey (Brian), Mark Ventresca (Natalie), and Cara Jaquez (Jon) and great-grandchildren Charlie and Owen Clark, Casper and Imogen Malvey, Emiliana Ventresca, and Oliver and Gabriela Jaquez. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Sadly, Joe was predeceased by his son, Frank (Olga) and his wife of 66 years, Carmela (Scali) who he affectionately called “ Shoobie”.
Joseph’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446, where his family will receive friends from 10 to 10:50 AM, in Church, prior to Mass.
Inurnment will follow at the St. Stanislaus Columbarium
Memorial donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders. When donating please check the Dedicate my donation box. Type in “Joseph DeCicco”. Move forward with donation. After the Credit Card information is supplied there will be an opportunity to enter an email address so Joseph’s family can be notified of donation details. Please enter email address: ventrescaginam@gmail.com