Joseph George Ficocello, 80, of Hobe Sound, Florida and formerly of Connecticut, passed away on March 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and son who will miss him in every moment for the rest of their lives.

A devout Catholic and man of his family, faith, and community, Joe was born on June 4, 1945, in Hartford, CT. He is predeceased by his parents Christino Ficocello and Anna J. Chapps Ficocello, and his brother Michael C. Ficocello. Joe valued the family of his youth and the one he would build for himself. He is survived by his devoted wife Diane (Sacco) Ficocello of over 47 years, and his loving son Joseph Ficocello.

Joe served as Vice-President of his East Hartford High School senior class in East Hartford, CT and graduated in 1963. He graduated from Quinnipiac College in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in business, while working four jobs to support himself and his education.

Joe entered the military in 1969, serving first in the U.S. Air Force for two years, then receiving a direct commission in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1971. After his tour of service which saw him support soldiers during the Vietnam War, he was Honorably Discharged in 1975 at the rank of Captain in the Medical Service Corps. Joe would credit his military experience as serving as the foundation of his leadership style and a time in his life that he always reflected on with immense pride in service to the Nation.

After his discharge in 1975, he began taking graduate coursework at the University of Connecticut in Hospital Administration as an extension of his work in the military. He then became a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in 1976. He first served as an Assistant Nursing Home Administrator at The Hamilton Pavilion in Norwich, CT, where he began to learn the industry and role, and then went on to support Bridgeport Healthcare in Bridgeport, CT. Joe was then promoted to Administrator of The Danbury Pavilion in Danbury, CT where he stayed until 1982.

From 1982 to 1991, Joe served as an Administrator with Eden Park Management of Albany, NY, at the New Milford Nursing Home in New Milford, CT. A work transfer and move with the company in 1991 to Florida, placed him as the Administrator of Port St. Lucie Nursing, in Port St. Lucie, FL, and then subsequently at Martin Nursing in Stuart, FL.

In 2001, Joe was promoted to President and Director of Operations for Eden Park's four corporations in Florida. During his time there, he managed hundreds of employees and oversaw the care delivery for thousands of patients, until his full retirement in 2020. He was dedicated to the care of his Mother-in-law and Father-in-law as well as the many residents within the facilities he managed. He was an exceptional role model and mentor who helped to facilitate further education for those in the healthcare field.

Joe was also previously honored to serve as the President of Florida Healthcare Association, District 13.

An avid sports enthusiast and traveler, he enjoyed time overseas on many trips with his family, from scaling the Acropolis and walking the Colosseum, to peaceful trips through the Caribbean and adventures in many countries.

Joe will be remembered by those who knew him for his sense of humor, generous nature, and compassion for others.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 9:30 am to 11:15 am at Forest Hills Funeral Home, 2001 SW Murphy Road, Palm City, FL followed by a Funeral Mass at 12 pm at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 12001 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL.

If you wish to send flowers, please send any orders to Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810 so they can be present at the graveside service at St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury, CT on Monday, March 23, 2026.