A Family Affair
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During our last excursion to the Borgata for the Winter Poker Open, we were witness to a touching scene in which a group of East Coast grinders memorialized one of their own.
Mike "Little Man" Sica was a beloved figure within Atlantic City card rooms - and indeed, throughout the entire poker world. Serving as a mentor on and off the felt, Sica helped to support in the development of many East Coast poker pros, including Will "The Thrill Faila," Michael Marder, Mike Dentale, Anthony Zinno, Michael Borovetz, and during the ceremony held in his honor back in January, each man took the stage to eulogize their friend.
Sica passed away on November 13th of last year, succumbing to cancer after a year-long struggle with the disease, and when he did poker lost one of it's consummate professionals.
Passing through the tournament floor recently, we caught up with Joe Debonis as he was counting up his massive stack - which held around 120,000 at the time. Debonis was Sica's nephew and he took the time to tell us a little more about the man who changed so many lives in the poker community during his career. Debonis' affection and admiration for his departed uncle was evident in his every word, and now that he has a big stack to work with, he will no doubt be looking to take this tourney down in honor of the "Little Man" so many local players knew and loved.