Rev. Vincent R. Siciliano

Rev. Vincent R. Siciliano, age 78, of Bloomsburg, died on Saturday evening, April 4 in the Emergency Room of the Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital. He had been in failing health for the past four years. Vincent was born on Wednesday, November 18, 1936 in Westerly, Rhode Island a son of Joseph J and Mary (Biodine) Siciliano. He was very proud of his Italian heritage. Throughout his time at Westerly High School, he was a standout athlete and an honor student, graduating in 1954. Following a tour of duty as a Chaplain’s Assistant in the U.S. Army, he graduated cum laude from the University of Rhode Island in June of 1965. He had been licensed to preach by the First Baptist Church of America a few months earlier. On May 27, 1968 Vincent graduated from Crozer Theological Seminary with highest honors. He was selected to appear in the 1967-68 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. His ordination took place on June 23, 1968. Reverend Siciliano accepted the call from the First English Baptist Church, Bloomsburg and preached his first sermon here on July 7, 1968. His sermon title was “Rite or Right?” His pastorate continued for 33 years and he retired in 1998. In addition to his pastorate, he has been involved in many community activities. He played baseball for five years at Orangeville and coached midget football, as well as little league, midget league and teener league baseball. Rev. Siciliano was a substitute high School teacher and served as a part-time guidance counselor at the Bloomsburg Senior High School. In 1971 the Jaycees named him “Outstanding Young Man of the Year.” During his 47 years in Bloomsburg, he has been involved in various service organizations and held offices with many of them. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Family Counseling and Mental Health Clinic and held all offices there at one time or another. He worked with the YMCA and the Bloomsburg Ministerium. He also participated in the American Baptist Churches’ Peace Probe three–year study. In addition, he was a member of the ABC Council for Theological Studies. Rev. Siciliano was also part of the area’s Family Planning Board and the Committee on Drug Education (CODE). Furthermore, he co-founded the Peer Counseling Program at Bloomsburg High School and was instrumental in establishing the Drug Intervention Program in the Central Columbia School District. Vincent also served on the Drug Hot Line, spent eight years on the CMSU Governor’s Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and served on the Columbia County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board, the Protestant campus Ministry Board, and the Bloomsburg Hospital Association Board. He also served as a consultant for the creation of the Hospice Program in Bloomsburg. On May 21, 1977 Vincent Siciliano married his loving wife, Pollyann (Graham) Siciliano of Bloomsburg. They would have celebrated 38 years of marriage this May. Also surviving are three children: Kristi Kerbacher and husband, Brian, of Bloomsburg; Mark V. Siciliano of Columbia SC and Paul J. Siciliano of Bloomsburg as well as two granddaughters: Jordyn Siciliano and Ashlyn Siciliano. He was the last member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters: Helen M. Webb and Genevieve DePerry and two brothers: Joseph Siciliano and Alfred Siciliano. A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening, April 10, 2015 from 6 to 7 pm at the First English Baptist Church 700 Millville Road in Bloomsburg. A joint group of VFW and American Legion members will accord military honors at 7 p.m. Funeral services will immediately follow the military honors with Rev. Lee Barnhardt officiating assisted by Pastor Susan Rogutski and Pastor Caleb Fritz. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to be serving the Siciliano family. Memorial contributions in Rev. Siciliano’s name are suggested to AGAPE 19 East 7th Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

Rev. Vincent R. Siciliano

November 18, 1936 - April 4, 2015