Elio D. Vicari, 86, of Temple, died February 23, 2015, in The Lutheran Home at Topton.

His wife, Lucy E. (Gaspari) Vicari, died on February 7; they had been married for 54 years.

Born in Shoemakersville, PA, he was a son of the late Oreste and Romilda (Cocetti) Vicari.

Elio was a hard worker from the time he left high school in the 10th grade. He worked as a brick maker, food vendor and a grounds keeper, but the work he put his heart into was his mushroom business, Vicari Mushrooms, Inc from 1960-1996

He was a veteran of the Korean War (1950-52) and had affiliations with the Sinking Spring VFW, Temple Fire Company, Temple Democratic Club and Honorary Member of Saint Marco’s Society and was the captain of their pool league.

He was an avid sportsman and was scouted by the National Baseball League and was a top swimmer for the YMCA.

His beliefs in the resurrection and paradise earth were strengthened after learning about the true God, Jehovah.

He is survived by his daughter and caregiver of 12 yrs, Diane Vicari, with whom he resided until recently; daughter Valerie Buller; and sons E. Dominic, Jr., and Michael Vicari. Two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive him. He was predeceased by his siblings: Albert, Lindy, Mario, Alma Franco and Vanda Genova.

Our Father will be missed, and was loved by all the lives he warmly touched.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements.