Our father and beloved grandfather Lewis Ficcadenti passed away on November 21, 2015 after a brief illness. “Lew” was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on July 24, 1924, one of six children born to John and Domenica (Sindy) Ficcadenti.He was educated in the Kenosha public school system and left Mary D. Bradford High School in his senior year, enrolling in the United States Navy. During his years of military service 1941 – 1945, he served as a Communications’ Liaison Specialist for Allied Naval forces and Allied merchant ships.During his travels at sea, Lew had a vivid dream wherein he saw rows of houses situated along a canal that was as yet, unfamiliar to him. Upon awakening, Lew shared this dream with a fellow seaman, describing the compelling qualities of the dream.Some weeks later, Lew was awakened by this same seaman and urged to gaze at the scene beyond the confines of their port hole. Lew did as requested and was astounded to witness the hauntingly familiar images of those same row houses that he had previously dreamed of…houses situated on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. It was during this voyage that Lew met the love of his life, Margaret Mitchell. And such is the way of all dreams.After completing his tour of duty and returning to Kenosha, Lew made arrangements for Margaret to join him in America, providing her passage on the Queen Mary. Lew and Margaret were joined in marriage at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on December 14, 1946.As a newly wedded couple, Lew and Margaret built their first home together located at 4417 19th Avenue. Paying cash for all things, they relied upon fruit crates to serve as makeshift furniture until they were able to purchase furniture items outright. Those were some of the best years, they would often reminisce, noting the sweet satisfaction of acquiring each and every treasure that they were able to purchase outright.Lew and Margaret had two children, Pamela (John) Young and Karen (Jim) Santangelo, and they provided them an opportunity to become educated and establish themselves as independent women.Lew obtained employment at the Nash Corporation in 1946, working as an hourly employee unloading materials off the Kenosha harbor dock. Lew proved to be a man who valued hard work, integrity, commitment and as such, was repeatedly promoted throughout his 41 years of service, rising to the position of Manager-Production Factory Administration.As Lew grew in stature, so did the company. Nash Corporation became the American Motors Corporation and produced cars the employees and indeed, the city of Kenosha, could be proud of. During his tenure, the American Motors Corporation employed over 26,000 employees and became a way of life for so many. Lew took great pride in the product, the employees he often referred to as ‘his people,’ his family, and his Italian roots. In spite of his success, Lew never forgot the struggles and sacrifices his ancestors had made that had provided him the opportunities that had been denied them.American Motors Corporation eventually became the Chrysler Corporation and Lew retired in 1987. Shortly before his retirement Lew was offered opportunity to serve as Production Consultant for the Mazerati Company in Milan, Italy. He and Margaret embarked on yet another adventure, living for several years abroad and traveling each weekend to various parts of Europe.Although Lew would have liked to remain in Europe, Margaret insisted the adventure was over upon learning their first granddaughter was to be born. Lew and Margaret settled in Clearwater, Florida and devoted themselves to entertaining their granddaughters Alyssa and Lauren Smith each summer, making magical memories the likes of which only a devoted grandma and “Papou” can make.After Margaret died in 1996, Lew devoted countless hours volunteering for Suncoast Hospice, developing close relationships with wonderful employees and other volunteers. Lew relocated to Midland, Texas in 2013 and spent much time with Pamela and her husband John.Lew is survived by his daughters, Pamela Young and Karen Santangelo; his granddaughters, Alyssa and Lauren Smith; his brother, John (Rosemary) Ficcadenti; Virginia Allegretto, and Lydia Fervoy.Lew left this life as he lived it, with determination, courage, and a firm conviction best reflected in the following quote: “If we stand tall, it is because we stand upon the shoulders of our ancestors” – Yoruba saying.A memorial service will be held in Clearwater, Florida.,
