Jon Douglas Sicilian

Jon Douglas Sicilian, 81, of Hermantown, died at Viewcrest Health Center in Duluth, MN on January 2, 2021.

Jon was born on July 20, 1939 in Corning, Ohio to Gaston Arthur Sicilian and Margaret (Toth) Sicilian. He attended 12 years of grade and high school without missing a day. He graduated from Corning High School and attended Ohio University before enlisting in the United States Air Force.

Jon spent the next twenty years serving his country in the Civil Engineering field at Air Force installations in Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, California, Korea, two tours in Vietnam, and Duluth International Airport, Minnesota. He received numerous awards, citations and medals during his career and retired in 1978. His civilian career began as Chief Engineer with the Bowman Corporation in Duluth. He returned to Ohio in 1983 where he managed energy, maintenance and operation programs for JCPenney properties in a five state area until his retirement in 1998.

Jon married Karen Abrahamson on December 31, 1971 in Duluth. They enjoyed time spent with family and at the cabin on Fish Lake. Jon loved to hunt and fish and meticulously mow his lawn. He also loved all sports and could remember statistics from years ago. He faithfully attended all the sporting activities of his children and would never miss an Ohio State Buckeye football game. He umpired softball games and was recently inducted into the Corning Ohio Baseball Hall of Fame for his achievements as a catcher in Youth League, High School and college. He was a member of the American Legion, Proctor Moose, The Retired Enlisted Association, and Disabled American Veterans.

Jon was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Sicilian; parents; and sister, Marcia Scarbrough.

Jon is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen; sons, Michael and Sean Sicilian; granddaughters, Kimberly Anderson, Eva Sicilian and Amanda Lovold; grandsons, Anthony Anderson and Cody Sicilian; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Anderson, Samuel Lovold and Micah Maida; brothers, Jim (Vicky) of Bradenton, FL, Rick (Brenda) of Corning, OH, and Jeff (Tammy) of Princeton, WV; sister, Michele Bernard of Columbus, OH; and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Viewcrest Health Center and Essentia Hospice for heartfelt care and comfort, and a special shout out to Noel who sat with and consoled Jon during his final hours.

Open-house style Celebration of Life to be held from 1 pm to 3 pm on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, with Military Honors to be presented at 3 pm. 

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