Salvatore Paul (“Junior”) Cira, Jr., age 92, of Highland Heights, Ohio passed away peacefully in the presence of his family August 14, 2024.
He was the son of the late Salvatore and Vincenza “Jennie” (nee Zuccaro) Cira. Beloved husband of 65 years to Carmela (nee Bonfiglio). Devoted father of Gregory (Jennifer), Tammy Feinberg (Ken), and Christopher (Debbie). Loving grandfather of twelve and great grandfather of fourteen. Dear brother of Delores Marotti (Tony, deceased) and John (Sandy).
Sam was a very proud native of his hometown of Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he excelled in sports and served as the captain of his beloved Chieftains football team. He was recognized at the time of his 90th birthday at a Chieftain’s home football game, handling the coin toss pregame at midfield and giving the pregame peptalk in the team’s locker room.
Sam was honored to be a United States Army veteran serving from 1954 through 1957 and in Germany during the Korean War. He went on to play football at The University of Toledo where he graduated with a degree in education. He often wore his Rocket alumni gear through the years to show his love for the team. He graduated with his Master of Education from John Carroll University while the young father of three children. Sam leveraged all of these experiences and education to pursue his lifelong career as an English teacher and football coach in the Euclid, Ohio, school system. He loved the art and science of the English language and made no bones about that fact that improper use of the English language was totally unacceptable.
Dad devoted his life to his wife and to supporting his family in a myriad of ways. He taught us all to be good people, hard workers, loyal citizens and best of all he served as a terrific example as how to be a great parent. We are certain he is heading direct to Heaven and will enter through the pearly gates. That’s after he critiques St. Peter’s entrance proclamation for proper grammar and punctuation! We will miss you dad.
The family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Sam Monday August 19, at DeJohn-Flynn Mylott Funeral Home, 4600 Mayfield Road South, Euclid, Ohio, 44121 (just east of Green Road) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, at St. Paschal, Baylon 5384 Wilson Mills, Highland Heights. Please meet at the church.
Entombment following, Knollwood Cemetery Mausoleum, 1678 SOM Center Rd. Mayfield Heights.
Contributions in Sam’s name suggested to St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements by Lopreseti Funeral Home, (440) 473-6299.
