Born: 07/30/1946 New York City, NY Died: 06/18/2026 Colchester, VT Details of service: A celebration of life is being planned for next summer. Jimmy “The Iceman” De Pierro, passed away June 18th, at the age of 79. Raised in Queens, he had many adventures as a bike mess enger in New York City, a welder, a clam digger and a professional gambler. He came to Vermont in the 70s with friends to seek a different way of life in the North East Kingdom. Jim became known around Vermont for many things; as a founding member of the Vermont Blues Society, for running for Secretary of State, for his businesses in the 80s and 90s, Jimmy’s Rack Roll Pool Hall and Jimmy’s Italian Ices, and more recently for his famous dog. In the 80s Jim started the Italian Ice business with his best friend John. With a daily presence in Burlington, Brattleboro and Montpelier his push carts were a staple across the state. He made the ices with fresh fruit and local spring water and served them at events like the 4th of July, and Bread Puppet Theater. In the 90s he ran for secretary of state for the Vermont Grassroots Party, devoted to the legalization of marijuana. He received a surprising number of votes, catapulting them to major party status and kicking off a debate about whether his nickname “Iceman” should be allowed on a ballot. His most recent fame came from his early life, memorialized in a popular Seven Days article. In the 70s as a messenger he made deliveries to movie studios, including Jim Henson’s. On a delivery of pet headshots to National Lampoons magazine he declared his dog more charismatic than any of the professional dog models. Intrigued, the art director gave Jim’s dog Mr. Cheeseface a chance, and he was indeed selected for the infamous cover page “If You Don’t Buy This Magazine We’ll Kill This Dog”. Later in life he hit the road as a professional poker player. He played 7-card stud all across the US. He also had an inventive spirit and love for music and good food. Jim was predeceased by his sister Luise, son Luciano, and godson Christopher. Jim is survived by his sons Jimmy, Nicolo, former wife Kathy, and his brother Mark. He is also remembered by his dear friends Padma, Leo, Marysue, and all those who recall on hot summer days nothing beats Jimmy’s Italian Ice. A celebration of life is being planned for next summer. Read the story on VTDigger here: Jimmy ‘The Iceman’ De Pierro. ...read more read less