Dr. Joseph V. Sica's Obituary
Dr. Joseph V. Sica passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Born on January 18, 1932 in Somerville, MA, Joseph graduated from the New England College of Optometry in Boston in 1954. This was the beginning of what would become a lifelong dedication to providing quality eye care to his family, community, and country.
Joseph was drafted into the Army and sent to Germany, where he provided eye care to his fellow soldiers for several years. While serving in Germany, Joseph met his wife, Duane Villere, a Covington-native “Army brat” living overseas. Joseph and Duane tied the knot in 1959 and settled in Covington, eager to join the community and start a family of their own— their five children would join them in quick succession through the 1960s.
Joseph remained in the Army Reserves, and was called back to active duty during the first Gulf War when he was nearly 60 years old. Over the course of his 36-year military career, he achieved the rank of Full Colonel, finally retiring from the military in 1992. Joseph received many honors during his time in service, notably the Army Commendation Medal for his outstanding performance of duty above normal expectations and his dedication, integrity, and expertise as Chief Optometrist.
As the first full-time optometrist to open a practice in Covington, Joseph set up shop on Boston Street in July 1958, and quickly became the community’s trusted go-to for any and all of their eye care needs. Even after he moved to a new office when he and some fellow physicians built the Professional Center at the corner of Jefferson Street and 19th Avenue, his patients would remain faithful. His illustrious career as Covington’s optometrist would span 64 years, which was recognized with the Optometry Association of Louisiana’s Public Service Award, given for his “extraordinary public service to the visual welfare of mankind” upon his retirement in 2018.
When he wasn’t caring for the people of Covington at his optometry practice, Joseph was an active and beloved member of his community. He pursued a broad spectrum of interests, including acting in some of the earliest productions at the local Playmakers Theater. Joseph joined Covington’s Krewe of Olympia in its second year, where he would become its President and serve in that role for 15 years and reign as King Zeus in 1983. Joseph was also a member and past-President of the Covington Rotary Club for over 50 years, embodying their motto of Service Above Self in his unflagging dedication to his community both as their optometrist and in his capacity as a passionate volunteer.
Aside from his dedication to his family, optometry, and his community, Joseph took time for himself to pursue his passions, including swimming every day and meeting his friends and family for coffee. He was a master Bridge player, and achieved the status of Ruby Life Master, a title bestowed on only a select few across the country.
Joseph is survived by his wife Duane Sica and his five children Joseph Sica Jr., Jeffrey Sica, Laure Sica, Lesly Sica, and Angele Landry; as well as his grandchildren Evan Sica, Kylan Toohey, Laney Toohey, Jenna Sica, Ava Landry, and Adelyn Landry.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Monday, June 10th at 2:00pm at St. Joseph’s Abbey.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Joseph Abbey, https://www.saintjosephabbey.com/donate-abbey-general-fund
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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