CICALESE
WILLIAM J. “BILLY CHICK”; May 19, 2018, age 72. Billy was born, raised and chose to remain in his beloved South Philadelphia whenever possible. He ventured into “town” for his last weeks to comfortably depart this world at the beautiful Penn Hospice at Rittenhouse. Although he had a myriad of employers, including the City and Penn’s Landing, most of his time was spent on South 7th Street. He divided his hours between Chick’s Bar & Backroom Café, the establishment he owned with his brothers and his best friends barber shop conveniently located across the street. He greatly treasured the time he spent at both places, with family and friends, exploring and enjoying various interests and hobbies. While human nature dictates the older we get the more resistant to change we become, Mr. Chick successfully completed a monumental, hugely positive, lifestyle transformation later in life. This metamorphosis was a huge source of pride and inspiration for all who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carmen and Margaret (nee Boccutto) Cicalese and a brother Louis Cicalese. He is survived by his daughter, best friend and devoted caregiver Alexandria Cicalese and another daughter Christina (Michael) McSweeney and his granddaughter, Gracie. He is also survived by a brother C. Ronald (Christina) Cicalese. Also survived by nieces Barbara, Lois, Olivia, Noelle, Pearl, Lily and nephews Louis (Erin) and Robby. Relatives and friends are invited to his VIEWING THURSDAY 9 A.M. until 11 A.M. at THE MONTI-RAGO FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2531-35 S. BROAD STREET. Services to begin at 11 A.M. (at Funeral Home). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, family requests contriburions be made in his memory to Penn Home Care and Hospice Services, c/o Penn Wissahickon Hospice-Development, 3535 Market Street, Suite, 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or pennmedicine.org/hospice-donate.