George B Cicci

FITCHBURG-George B. Cicci, age 74, of Fitchburg, Wis., was born to eternal life on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison. Those who know and love him are rightly heartbroken, but grateful he did not suffer.A loving husband, father, grandpa, engineer, inventor, mentor, woodworker, fisherman and lawn-care fanatic, George had a smile that could light up a room. He could see potential in people that they often couldn’t see in themselves—and he encouraged us to set our sights higher, knowing we could achieve more than we thought possible.  George was born March 12, 1943, in LaSalle, Ill., to Cilda (Corradi) and Amadeo “Barney” Cicci. He graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School, where (he often reminded us) he became a Star State Farmer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Bradley University, Peoria, Ill., and an MBA from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb.If you’ve ever made hay, you may have used machinery George designed at International Harvester and J.I. Case in Hinsdale, Ill.; Gehl Company in West Bend, Wis.; and Kuhn North America in Brodhead, Wis. He spent his entire 43-year career advancing the field of agricultural engineering through his design ingenuity, receiving 30+ U.S. patents. His enthusiasm and enlightened character motivated others to be exceptionally well-disciplined and innovative engineers. He was very proud of Kuhn’s growth during his tenure—and spent his retirement years telling anyone who would listen. In 2008, George received the Agricultural Engineering Career Achievement Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.His Italian heritage was a point of pride, if not stature. George loved to be right, even when he wasn’t, but we can forgive him because he also had endearing habits, such as always pumping the gas, holding the door like a gentleman and (nearly always) picking up the check. After he retired, he pursued his interest in fine woodworking, and generously crafted beautiful furniture and other keepsakes for his loved ones. He joined the Madison Area Retiree Golf Association, through which he made many new friends. And he cheered on the Packers, Brewers and Badgers, as a favor to his wife.George lived 19 years following an initial cancer diagnosis. Over the past 10 years, he pursued multiple treatments with the help of his doctors at Dean. And those worked pretty well, even though the toll on him was substantial. We are grateful that this care bought him time to raise his son Noah and enjoy his five grandchildren—all of whom are amazing, precious young people.George is survived by his wife, Monica Kannel Cicci; and their son, Noah; as well as his treasured daughter and son from his first marriage to Sharon Kabat, Tracy (Lenz) Counsil and Gregory (Daphne) Cicci, all of Woodridge, Ill. George leaves a legacy of love for his grandson, Zachary Counsil; and granddaughters, Madeline Counsil, and Gabriela, Elisa and Giuliana Cicci. He is further survived by his favorite brother, Robert (Delores) Cicci of Bowie, Tex.; and nephew Corey (Ann) Cicci of Keller, Tex.; as well as Monica’s parents and siblings and their families. He is dearly missed by his Vizsla companion, Cosmo.He was preceded in death by his parents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins, who are most certainly waiting to welcome him home.A Memorial Mass will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 South Owen Dr., Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, and also at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.Memorial donations may be directed to the College of Engineering at Bradley University, Peoria, Ill.; the Wisconsin DNR Endangered Resources Fund; the Catholic Multicultural Center, Madison; or your favorite charity.Finally, we extend sincere appreciation for the quick and diligent response of the Fitchburg Police and Fitch-Rona EMS in our time of need. God bless you in the very difficult work you do.