On April 22, 2021, Paul M. Sica left this life peacefully and in comfort. He died of natural causes. By strength of Will and his belief in Prayer, he held on to life to reach this particular day, his 65th wedding anniversary. His prayers were answered when he was reunited with his wife, Carol E. Sica, in the weeks before his passing as she returned from a convalescence in Florida. The reunion was no mere coincidence. Nancy (his princess) was at his side continuing the care and attention that made his last years comfortable.
Those whose life he touched knew that he was raised to accept the role of Patriarch of the Sica family. The first born of his generation to an extended family; a family tree born to two (Sica) brothers who married two (Botti) sisters.
Moving to Highland Park for his school years, he showed an athleticism that led him to letter in football, basketball and baseball. The 1948 Group II State Basketball Championship trophy displayed at Highland Park High School and a victory plague under the “Welcome to Highland Park” sign on Raritan Avenue serve to remind all of the “Glory Days” created by his teamwork and sure jump shot. Reminisces are not left to posterity as over the years many local residents knew him by name and recalled the pride and excitement that filled Central Jersey that championship season.
He attended Saint John’s University and William and Mary College on athletic scholarships.
He served honorably in the United States Navy on an aircraft carrier during the Korean Conflict. Many recall the stories of his station as a weatherman analyzing meteorologic events to assist the safe operation of the first American jet aircraft to be launched from a carrier.
He and Jay Sica returned from their service in the Navy to New Brunswick and to Jersey Avenue to begin their stewardship of New Brunswick Plating, Inc. The advent of the American industrial machine and metal finishing applications in aerospace and space exploration provided the company an opportunity to assist defense contractors and NASA in landing a man safely on the moon .
Leadership and teamwork skills, honed on the athletic field and required on the battlefront, matured into a dedicated and entrepreneurial spirit that took the Sica family business to its next level. In truth, the accomplishments were a direct result of teamwork. Paul, Jay, Mike, Bob and later Tom, brothers and first cousins, each undertook a special place in the organization to ensure its success. In a boardroom of five, the buck stopped with Paul. He was a consensus builder and a tie breaker. In business affairs, he exerted strength and a steady influence.
He cared deeply for the employees of New Brunswick Plating. He accepted that everyone’s livelihood rested on decisions he would be called upon to make. The weight of this responsibility was shown, to those close enough to notice, in the intensity with which he rolled his shoulders. Employees in his charge responded with a dedication and loyalty that saw the business through its ups and downs. It was not in his nature allow prejudice or bias. He revered and rewarded character and hard work.
He was a sportsman. There was only four places he could be found: The Plant, the House, Colonia Country Club or the Racetrack. Harry Sica, Sr., he and Bob Sica extended the family enterprise to Standardbred Horseracing. This passion united them. Many recall (or are pictured in) the wall of Winner Circle photos and golden horseshoes collected during the many years in the sport they loved.
Most will remember the slight resemblance he bore to Jackie Gleason as he stood in golf slacks and sleeveless sweater with one arm and hand extended resting on a putter. He was passionate about golf and later cards (and don’t forget crossword puzzles). In these activities, he found reprieve from the stresses and responsibilities of the world of business. He was in heaven, after a Wednesday round of golf, having a Kettle One Vodka on the rocks with the boys in the Clubhouse. The comradery and friendships he and Carol maintained bridged the boundaries between New Jersey and New York and the state lines between New Jersey and Florida.
He was man’s man. Honest, truthful and trustworthy. He led by example, not lecture. He was a storyteller and a master of ceremonies. He was generous to all who surrounded him. Family historians will remind us of a legacy of strength, integrity and distinction.
On Heaven’s basketball court can be heard the rip of the net from a swish. In the Winner’s Circle, he stands center frame. On Heaven's 17th Hole, Par 3, a guy just made a hole in one. Let’s meet in the Clubhouse and raise a glass to a life well lived.
He leaves behind a loving and devoted wife, Carol, son Marty and wife Susan, son Paul J., daughter, Nancy, daughter Carolyn and son, Gary and wife Erika. He took great joy and pride in all of his grandchildren, Paul D., Martin, Maria, Alexander. Evan, Sofia, Sabrina and Sebastian and great grandson, Craven.
A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 AM Saturday May 1, 2021 at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church, corner or Remsen Avenue and Sandford Street in New Brunswick. Entombment of the cremated remains will follow in Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway.
In lieu of flowers or memoriam, please make the donation to the Alzheimer’s Association of America (www.alzfdn.org).
