Longtime state rep dies at Little League opener
WILMINGTON — State Rep. Jim Miceli, 83, one of the longest continuously serving members of the Massachusetts House, died yesterday after collapsing at the Wilmington Little League Opening Day Ceremony at the Rotary Club.
He was remembered as a devoted public servant who cared deeply for his family and his constituents in Tewksbury and Wilmington.
“I just received a phone call and my uncle passed away,” said his grief-stricken nephew, Wilmington Selectman Mike McCoy. “This whole thing is surreal. I can’t believe he’s gone. It is always painful when you lose a family member.
“My uncle was deeply devoted to his family — they always came first. He dedicated the vast majority of his life to public service and his presence will be sadly missed.” McCoy said his uncle’s cause of death was cardiac arrest.
Gov. Charlie Baker said on Twitter he’d known Miceli for 20 years. “We did not always agree — but he was always a gentleman, and a hugely aggressive advocate for his district and his beliefs,” Baker wrote.
The state representative collapsed around 10 a.m. yesterday, according to Wilmington police Sgt. Chris Ahern. Police were already on scene for the event and CPR was performed on Miceli before he was transported to Winchester Hospital.
On Feb. 28, Miceli collapsed and was transported by ambulance to a hospital from the Omni Parker House, where House Democrats were attending a political caucus. He was back in action about a week later.
Wilmington Selectman Ed Loud described Miceli as “a great guy” who did a lot for his communities and the state. “It’s just incredible,” Loud said. “What a sad day.”
In a written statement, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said: “I had the honor of serving with Jim for 10 years in the House of Representatives. We became friends. He was tenacious about the needs of his district, yet he was soft on the people and his colleagues. Whether fighting for more local aid or funding for opioid addiction, he never let up his efforts for the people he served.”
Miceli, a conservative Democrat, was in his 20th term, having represented Wilmington and Tewksbury since 1977. He served as vice chairman of the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change and was a member of the Joint Committee on Tourism, the House Committee on Personnel and Administration, and the House Ways and Means Committee.
Before becoming a state representative, Miceli served on the Wilmington Planning Board for three years and as a selectman for 12 years. The most rewarding part of his job, he said, was seeing the results of the work by himself and his staff.
“Looking at a project, locally, and when I’m asked to help, seeing it come to fruition,” Miceli said at the time.
State Sen. Barbara L’Italien said, “It is a solace to know that he started the day doing what he loved, walking in the Wilmington Little League parade. My heart goes out to his family and all those who loved him.”