Obituary of Sisto Radicchi

Sisto “Sas” Radicchi passed away peacefully with his wife Kathy at his side in their Newnan Georgia home on March 6th. He enjoyed a long, healthy life that spanned 100 years. Born in the small town of Lucignano, Italy in 1922, he immigrated thru Ellis Island with his parents in 1924, moving to Deep River, CT where they knew others that had immigrated earlier. The Great Depression forced them to move back to Italy, but they returned a couple of years later, settling in the neighboring town of Chester, CT. Several months after WWII began, Sisto graduated from Chester High School and joined the Army Air Corps (possibly where his nickname Sas originated). Sisto’s graduation class had 17 members and all eight boys in his class, went to serve in WWII. After the war and his service time, he attended Morse Business School, then began his long career at the Chester Bank. He married Phyllis Hewitt and lived in Chester next to his parents where they brought up their three children. Sisto began as a teller for the Chester Bank, eventually becoming Treasurer, Chief Loan Officer and VP before retiring after 39 years of service. Many locals met with Sas for their first car or home loan, back when a handshake was good enough to get the ball rolling. He could be seen many days on Middlesex Ave and Main Street walking back to work after having lunch at home. Sas was a Chester Rotarian; Past Commander and Adjutant and member of the American Legion for 70 years. He was also a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, served as an usher and Past Treasurer and a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 65 years. Sisto also served as a member of the VFW and the Elks Club. Sas married Kathy in 1981. They built a home in Chester, then moved to Old Saybrook. The next move was to the west coast of Florida. After several years, they transitioned to Newnan Georgia to be near children and he became a member of the St Magdalene Catholic Church. Sas loved to socialize; he enjoyed his golf, bowling, cruises and spending time with his family, especially playing Santa for his grandchildren. He was fortunate enough to meet a few of his great grandchildren. He especially loved getting together with family and friends and cooking for them. Sas was predeceased by his parents, Agostino Radicchi and Mary Poccioni Radicchi, along with a brother, Giovanni (who passed shortly after childbirth). He is survived by his wife, Kathy, his three children: Diane & husband Bill Dyckman of Windham, CT along with their three daughters, spouses and ten grandchildren all of Connecticut, Paul and his wife Dawn of Chester along with their two sons, spouses and four grandchildren of Connecticut and Tom of Missouri, his daughter and granddaughter of Arizona. He is also survived by Kathy’s children, Joe of Newnan, Kathie and husband Mick of Griswold, CT along with three sons and five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Bob and Judy of Arizona, Ed of Newnan along with three children and one grandchild. John and wife Brenda of Florida along with 4 children and six grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be held on April 10, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Church, 48 Middlesex Turnpike, Chester, CT 06412, at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Fountain Hill Cemetery, 57 High St, Deep River, CT 06417. To share a memory of Sisto or to leave condolences, please visit www.rwwfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to Coweta County Animal Services, 91 Selt Rd. Newnan GA 30263 or a shelter or charity of your choice.