Dr. John William Cecconi, Sr.

Dr. John William Cecconi, Sr., known fondly to friends as “Doc,” was freed from his earthly body and slipped quietly into the arms of our Heavenly Father on June 10, 2022. Born on Doctor Street on April 2, 1932, he also passed on Doctor Street, the place he always called home. He enters into his eternal rest and joins beloved family members who departed before him; his parents, Joseph and Guglielma Cecconi, two brothers, Joseph Cecconi and Tony Cecconi, and one sister, Josephine Cecconi.

Dr. Cecconi was the youngest son of Italian immigrant parents. At an early age, he was taught the necessity of hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice. After overcoming a difficult language barrier, he attended St. Dominic Catholic School and graduated from Springfield High School in 1950 as the Salutatorian. He attended St. Catherine College and later graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1955. Joining the United States Army, he proudly served in the Medical Service Corps as a Doctor of Optometry while stationed in Frankfort, Germany. In 1957, he returned home and opened his Optometric practice in Springfield, Kentucky, on January 10,1958, where he served the community for over 60 years. Had his physical body been capable, Dr. Cecconi would still be in his office, serving his patients to this day.

On August 6, 1960, he married the love of his life, Rita Ann Farnsworth of Bardstown.
Together, they had four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, who affectionately call him “Grandaddy.” He served as the Mayor of Springfield for 21 years, a roll he cherished. He also served as a member of City Council, Springfield Lions Club, the Lincoln Homestead Country Club and the Springfield Sportsman Club. He also served as president of the Springfield Industrial board and was proud of the economic development that occurred within his community during his tenure. He was awarded Citizen of the Year and in 2015, he was the proud recipient of the Springfield-Washington County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement award.

Dr. Cecconi was a lifelong member of St. Dominic Catholic Church and served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. He was a man of deep, sincere, and unwavering faith. He lived by example, guiding his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through his actions. When he was called upon to help, no matter how great the sacrifice or challenge, he always answered. Some of his greatest past times included hunting, fishing, a round of golf and a card game. He loved baseball and shared with family that he was the only player to hit a home run during his junior and senior years of high school.

Dr. John William Cecconi, Sr., is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rita Ann Cecconi. Four children; Dr. John (Trish) Cecconi, Jr., of Springfield, Ann-Michelle (Bill) Tatum, of Lebanon, Dee Dee (Frank) Smith, of Bardstown, and Julie (Tony) Medley, of Springfield. Nine Grandchildren; Ann Mason (John) Elder, Emily Cecconi, Stephen (Morgan) Cecconi, Satchel (Paige) Tatum, John Patrick (Sarah) Cecconi, Elizabeth Medley, Jim Cecconi, Mary Catherine Medley, and Sam Cecconi. Dr. Cecconi was blessed to see four great-grandchildren, Jack Elder, Sophia Cecconi, Tatum Elder, and Will Cecconi. He is also survived by one nephew, Michael Cecconi one niece, Lisa Smith, and one great-nephew, Macon Smith. Lastly, he is survived by the City of Springfield. The legacy of his spirit, passion for service, hard work, and zest for life will live on through all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Dominic Catholic Church or School.

Live your life and live it well. Dr. Cecconi loved what he did, which meant he never worked a day in his life. In his final moments, though his body was failing, his spirit remained strong. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and his mark will forever remain upon the community to whom he gave so much, and who gave so much back to him.

Funeral mass for John William Cecconi, Sr, will be conducted at 5:00pm on Monday, June 13, 2022 at St. Dominic Catholic Church with Reverend David J. Farrell and Reverend Culpepper Elliot officiating. Burial will be in St. Dominic-Holy Rosary Cemetery with military honors by Marion County Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be at St. Dominic Catholic Church from 12:00pm-5:00pm on Monday, June 13, 2002. Funeral service to begin right after. Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

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