Jim “Fizz” Fisicaro, 64, of Oakdale, died peacefully in Modesto on February 24, 2023.
He was born on May 23, 1958, to Anthony and Dorothy Fisicaro, the youngest of three children. He is survived by his wife, Connie, his son, Josh (Bekah) Bryant, his three daughters, Kelsey (Clayton) Bryant, Amy Fisicaro and Kailey Fisicaro, his grandchildren, Judah, Gabriella, Aviana, Charlotte and Emily, his brother Joe Fisicaro and nephew, Paul Fisicaro. His parents, his uncle Vic and brother John precede him in death.
Jim grew up on Highway 108, across from property his Nonno bought and began farming after he emigrated from Sicily by way of San Francisco. From childhood, Jim developed his great passion for playing sports and watching the San Francisco Giants, 49ers and Boston Celtics. He also fostered friendships he ensured would last a lifetime.
An impressive athlete, he often retold tales of his letterman days at Oakdale High, down to the exact plays and scores of his football, basketball and baseball games. His mind was like a steel trap for numbers, whether it was remembering birthdays or quickly calculating figures for work.
As a young adult, Jim “hired on” at PG&E, beginning a 42-year career that would span from the time he was 19 until his retirement. It was in 1987 that he met his wife Connie through mutual friends. Their meeting place was representative of the many years to come of cherished time and late nights spent with friends and community. They would raise their family less than two miles from where Jim grew up, through 35 years of marriage.
Jim could talk for hours. He loved to laugh, tell jokes, share stories and reminisce. He was also kind, never shying away from celebrating others. He felt at home in the bleachers of any Mustangs match, rooting on his son, then daughter, and getting to know each new generation of young players.
He was also a talented golfer, playing in dozens of tournaments over the decades and getting his first hole in one at age 54. Jim had many groups of friends he managed to juggle staying connected to over decades—even keeping notes in the family’s shared address card file as a backup to his incredible memory.
He often reminded his kids of values they’d each carry through life—to do the right thing, that in youth we are all “no better than our teacher,” to have a hard work ethic, show appreciation, be generous, hustle (on and off the court), pitch in to help others and embrace community.
Fittingly, a celebration of life will be held in the heart of town at 11 a.m., Friday, March 17, at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave, Oakdale. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center or the charity of your choice.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
March 8, 2023
