John S. Fichera

Davie, FL, and Plum Island, Newbury, MA: John Sebastian Fichera, 73, passed surrounded by loved ones on March 26th, 2021. John was also known as “Big John”, “Big Fish” or Papa to his friends and family. Born on October 12th,1947 in Lawrence, Massachusetts to the late Sebastian and Jennie Fichera, John was one of three children, sisters Geraldine Madigan Dorr, and Lucy Baldwin. Growing up in Lawrence, John enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed the little, intricate things that made life beautiful. In his early 20’s, John was apart of the band “The Citations”, playing the keyboard. The most popular song written by his band was “Long Time Wanderin’”. Later on, John got his Master’s in teaching at Boston College. Teaching was one of John's greatest joys, especially for 4th and 5th grade, for which he taught for over 30 years. The students at Job Lane Elementary in Bedford, MA were lucky to have such a kind, generous, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic teacher. His creative nature enjoyed teaching his students about the stock market. One of John’s greatest pleasures was the ability to share knowledge with everyone. John is survived by his wife of 16 years, Deborah Fichera, his two children, John “Little John” or “Fish” Fichera, and Dr. Jennifer Fichera Macaluso, his grandchildren Julia, Dante, and Amilia. Spending time with his children and grandchildren was one of Johns’s greatest joys. His passion for teaching kids was seen through his interactions with his grandchildren, often teaching them about wildlife, reading, fishing, and other peculiar facts. He would often refer to himself as “Captain Papa” while fishing and lobstering on the Merrimack River in Newburyport, Massachusetts. People could also see John at Cashman Park, Newburyport, MA where he was a part-time boat launcher. The title “Captain” was also on the face of his beach house on Plum Island, Massachusetts. His collection of hats, from ballcaps to watermelon hats lined the walls in his house. John lived in this house for many years, until eventually wintering in Davie, Florida. On Plum Island, John would willingly volunteer at the Plum Island Reservation, and to anyone who would need a helping hand. John was also an avid gardener, growing tomatoes and sunflowers were his favorites plants in his garden. John loved the Patriots and Red Sox, especially when they were winning. John also loved to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, especially Red Rock Canyon, going multiple times in the year. He also traveled to Italy and enjoyed it immensely. Johns’s favorite artists included the great Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, and Andre Bocelli. His favorite songs by these artists:  “Burnin’ Love” by Elvis Presley, “A Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin, and “Time to Say Goodbye”, by Andre Bocelli. John also enjoyed reading The Giver series by Lois Lowry, The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare, and The Monument by Gary Paulson. Gary Paulson was his favorite author. John will be remembered for his generosity, compassion, friendliness, honesty, and love for life.

John always believed in the quote, “A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the car I drove, but the world might be different because I was important in the life of a child.” This quote was labeled on magnets he made, with a picture of his two children, after his retirement from teaching.

The family will not be holding services at the present time. Per his wishes, the family will be holding a celebration of life cookout. The dates to be announced.

Donations may be made in John’s memory to St. Joseph Church, 5401 SW 64 Ave, Davie, FL, 33314