Douglas George Cioce

Douglas George Cioce, born July 7th, 1951 in White Plains, NY, went to his eternal reward on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 at 8:30PM in Asheville, NC after battling Alzheimer’s and dementia for 5 years. Doug is survived by his wife, Roseann Procacci Cioce, sons Nicholas Giorgio (Laura), Michael Gabriel (Amber Degon), and Matthew Christopher, and grandchildren Sophia Rose and Lucia Elizabeth.

Douglas, or Doug, grew up in White Plains, NY with his sisters Anne, Carole, Donna, Maria and brother Chris. He was raised by his father, George Ernesto, and mother Clara Elizabeth. George was the owner of Cioce Memorials, Inc. as well as a musician and World War II veteran. Clara Elizabeth, of Stamford, Connecticut, was a hard working wife and mother, who survived her husband’s passing in 1971.

From an early age, Doug was interested in a variety of hobbies, from trying to build his own perpetual energy device in the 3rd grade, to rebuilding the engine of his first car at 14, to playing first chair trumpet in the all-county orchestra. Doug was a gifted mechanic, engineer, and musician and practiced these trades his entire life. These passions and abilities led him to many interesting career opportunities, from building award winning drag racers, to working as an electrical engineer designing sound systems, to acting as a band leader and lead singer for many R&B groups, to building high end custom homes in Florida and North Carolina. Doug was a very intelligent and curious soul who liked to understand how things worked and who found joy and purpose in his many different career pursuits. It was custom home building that was prominent in his life for over 40 years.

Doug was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. While working at Homelite Chain Saw Company in White Plains, he met his lifelong friend and riding partner Al “Willie” Weeks. Al and other engineers introduced him to the joys, thrills (and spills) of motorcycle riding. Doug bought his first motorcycle in the summer of 1973 and was participating in amateur races by the spring of 1974. This was the beginning of a love affair that lasted 46 years. His adventures on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon in NC, TN, and other riding destinations were truly a source of joy and freedom that Doug cherished.

Doug was living in Hermosa Beach, CA when he met his future wife, Roseann Procacci, who had come to visit Doug’s roommate Joe McJimsey in April of 1982. Doug fell in love at first sight, and moved to Florida to be with her that October. They were married on September 15th, 1984 in Boca Raton, FL. Roseann was the love of Doug’s life. They enjoyed many trips and adventures together all around the world and made lifelong friends everywhere they went. They raised three children together and experienced the joy of being “Nonna and Pops” to their two granddaughters.

Doug’s final years were bittersweet. He suffered from dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease and lost many of the skills and abilities that brought him joy and meaning in his life. His last days were filled with those who loved him and those whose lives were changed for the better because of him. He passed peacefully surrounded by family and caring friends.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, November 9th from 2-4pm at Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Road. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hendersonville on Monday, November 10th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Four Seasons Hospice, Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC.