Hugo F. "Ike" Icardi Jr.

Hugo F. "Ike" Icardi Jr., affectionately known to all who loved him, passed away peacefully following a period of declining health on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Compassionate Care Center. He was 89. With his beloved fur baby, Bella, sitting faithfully in his lap until the very end, he kept his wonderful sense of humor and good-natured spirit throughout all of his days.

Born on September 12, 1937, to the late Hugo F. Icardi Sr. and Anna Icardi (Bazzo), Hugo spent his entire life exactly where he felt he belonged: Canton Township, Ohio. His tireless work ethic started early, working on the farms of Doerschuk and Ehret as a youth, followed by a high school job at a gas station located at Cleveland Ave. and 17th St. in Canton. He was a proud graduate of Canton South High School and furthered his studies at Canton National Business College before proudly answering the call of duty in the United States Army.

For 35 years, Hugo worked as a dedicated electrician at Wharton Electric Inc. He was a good provider who looked to the needs of his wife and family—it was simply what a man did. The absolute love of his life was his high school sweetheart, Linda Icardi (Wharton). Together for 70 years and married for 66, they shared countless laughs and built a marriage filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to family. Above all else, Hugo was a devoted family man who put his family first and treasured every moment spent with them.

A caring and supportive dad and grandpa, Hugo showed his affection in his own special ways. He was often ornery, liked to joke, made an art of teasing, and loved to laugh. His spontaneous, quick-wit was legendary and kept everyone on their toes.

Hugo loved life on the go. He found joy in fishing, riding dirt bikes, boating, and jet skiing. At home, he took immense pride in keeping his cars immaculately maintained and mowing his lawn. A charter member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Navarre, Hugo faithfully served as an usher and greeter. He was also honored to serve as the very first driver for the Stark County Library’s Kidmobile, where he loved the youthful energy of the preschool children and delighted them by performing puppet shows as part of his route.

A love note to Hugo from your family: Thank you for the many joyful memories—your happy smile, laughter, jokes for every occasion, and your eagerness to play with and love your grandchildren. Most of all, thank you for your continuous positive view of life. This is how you will always be remembered—with great fondness and love. We will love and miss you forever.

Hugo leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his children, Mark Icardi (Susan Amidon), Lanette (Jay) Studebaker, and Darin (Kimberly) Icardi; his adored grandchildren, Lindsey (Zach) Dembo, Perry (Izzi) Studebaker, and Ava Icardi; and all of his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother, Frank (Carolyn) Icardi, and his sister, Nannette Remley. He now joins in eternal rest his parents, as well as his brothers, David Icardi and Leon Icardi, and his sister, Myra Buonaspina.

Visitation will be on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Sanders Funeral Home in East Canton, Ohio. Funeral services will be led by Pastor Bill Eckert on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM, also at Sanders Funeral Home, with a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Red Bird Mission in Kentucky, in care of Otterbein United Methodist Church, 6025 Shepler Church Rd SW, Navarre, Ohio 44662.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sanders Funeral Home, 218 E. Nassau St., East Canton, Ohio 44730.

Family and friends may offer condolences and share memories at:

sandersfuneralhomes.com

(330) 488-0222