Overview
- His brother confirmed Saturday that DiCicco died in San Diego after a period in hospice at age 63.
- TMZ reported he was a heavy smoker with advanced COPD, while other outlets have not specified a cause of death.
- He found Buddy near his Yosemite-area cabin in 1989 and trained the Golden Retriever whose TV tricks led to the 1997 Air Bud film.
- The family movie launched sequels and Buddies spin-offs through 2012, with later entries crediting him only for character creation.
- He said in 2024 that his creator credit did not bring a meaningful payday, and in recent years he faced homelessness and a severe pneumonia hospitalization in 2025.