WILMINGTON, Mass. (Combined Sources) — Democratic State Rep. James R. Miceli, the second-longest serving member of the Massachusetts Legislature, collapsed during opening Little League ceremonies in his hometown of Wilmington Saturday, April 21, and died at a local hospital, officials said.
Miceli, 83, was standing by the third base line at Wilmington Little League Park at about 10 a.m. when he apparently suffered a heart attack, said Wilmington Fire Lieutenant Bob Woods.
Emergency crews performed CPR on Miceli for about 15 minutes before he was taken to Winchester Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Woods said.
Miceli was a regular presence at the Armenian Genocide commemorations at the State House. He always spoke proudly of his mother’s Armenian heritage. He was not present at this year’s program because of ill health.
Miceli had represented Wilmington and Tewksbury in the State House since 1977, and a neighbor said he was a beloved figure in both towns.
“I can’t say enough good things about Jim,” said Joanne Neale, 71, who has lived across the street from Miceli for over 40 years.