Lessie Lee Ciccarelli

Lessie Lee Ciccarelli (Plunk), age 89 of Port Richey, FL, transitioned to her eternal home on Friday April 5, 2024. Beloved mother, grandmother, and retired deputy sheriff, Lee was born in Adamsville, TN to the late Lillie Mae and Norvin Plunk. She later resided in Chicago, Wheaton, and eventually settled in Florida. Lee was preceded in death by her adored husband, Sam Ciccarelli. 

Serving her community as a deputy sheriff, Lee displayed unwavering courage and commitment leaving a lasting impact on those she encountered. Throughout her years of service, she received letters of accolade from judges and jurors for her leadership in the courtroom and respectful conduct to all. In retirement, Lee enjoyed spending time with family, dancing at the local VFW Hall with friends, and dining at her favorite restaurant, Pam’s. 

Lee was blessed with four wonderful children, Theresa (Richard) Wastag, Larry (Mary Jo) Wiess, Sherry (Pat) Pavone, and Kenneth (Catherine) Wiess, who she raised on the Near Northwest Side of Chicago with her late former spouse, Kenneth Wiess, Sr. She was a loving grandmother to Cynthia (Anthony) Reina, Lindsey (Logan) Ayers, Stephanie Wiess (Jeremy), Michael (Regina) Wiess, Jonathan (Julie) Wiess, Leah (Phillip) Mirante, Erica (Travis) Parkinson, Angelo Pavone, Christopher (Preety) Pavone, Daniel (Rebecca) Pavone, Kenneth (Tiffany) Wiess, and Natalie Wiess. Lee was a great grandmother to sixteen cherished great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings Wida Jean Plunk, Ernest Cleo Plunk, Frank K Plunk, and Clyde Plunk, and is survived by her brothers Gerald (Jean) Plunk, and Ricky Plunk. She was a cherished companion of the late Russell Churchman. Lee will be missed profoundly by all that knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 27, 2024 from 3-8 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake, IL. A private ceremony will take place at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Veterans Cemetery where Lee will be laid to rest. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

Lessie Lee Ciccarelli will be remembered as the matriarch of her family, a comforter & friend to those in need, and a strong & independent woman of faith. 

2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”