He was born in Scranton, the son of Dominick and Maria Piscopo Pica. He was a member of Saint Francis of Assisi Church, served in the US Army during World War II, he owned and operated several local area restaurants over the years and was the owner and operator of Pica Refrigeration. He retired from Tobyhanna Army Depot where he worked for many years as an air conditioning and heating specialist. He was a life-long member of the Waldorf Park German-American Federation.

    He was an avid hunter and fisherman, but his favorite hobby was cooking. His kitchen was affectionately known by family and friends as "Papa Joe’s". On Sunday mornings he prepared breakfast for the "regulars" who stopped by for friendship and a great meal. As his illness progressed he had no choice but to start slowing down, but his grandchildren continued to ask, ‘When are we going to get some of Papa Joe’s pizza." Which was one of his favorite items to prepare from scratch. The joy he received, was from watching everyone enjoy his pizza.

    The family would like to thank care givers David and Christine Pica, Cheryl Pica and the staff of Allied Services and Sacred Heart Hospice, Wilkes-Barre.

    Surviving are four sons, Joseph Pica and his wife Joan, FL, Richard Pica and his wife Jay, Scranton, David Pica and his wife Christine, Scranton, Anthony "Jerry" Pica and his wife Marlene, Scranton; a daughter, Patricia Cerra and her companion Leo Murray, Dunmore; eighteen grandchildren, nineteen great grand children, two great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by an infant son, Dominick Pica; three brothers Anthony Pica, Carl Pica and Ernest Pica; a sister Antoinette Calianno; and a great grandson, David Anthony Pica.

    The Funeral will be Friday at 9:00 a.m. from the Miller Bean Funeral Home, Inc., 436 Cedar Avenue, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 630 Genet Street, to be celebrated by Monsignor Philip A. Gray, pastor. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhust.

    Friends may call Thursday 5 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions can be made in his memory to The Friends of The Poor, Friends of the Poor, Jackson Terrace, 148 Meridian Avenue, Scranton, PA 18504 telephone 570-348-4428 or to the Humane Society of Lackawanna County, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411-9299.