Joseph A. Cira

Sept. 20, 1926 - May 25, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Joseph A. Cira Jr., a lifelong resident of South Bend and longtime businessman, passed away peacefully at 9:50 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013, in his home. He was 86 years old. He was born September 20, 1926, in South Bend, the oldest child of Joseph P. & Rose (DeCola) Cira.

He graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School, and proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Mr. Cira was the co-owner and operator with his brother Bob of Cira's Supermarket for 40 years, retiring in November 1987. He was also co-owner of Miami Plaza Liquor Mart. He was a lifelong faithful member of the Cathedral of St. Matthew, where he served as President of the Ushers Club, was a counter at the church, a member of the Parish Council, Holy Name Society, served on the Bishops Appeal, and assisted with many fundraisers over the years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge #235, the Miami Street Business Association, Michigan Street Business Association, and was Past President of St. Joseph Valley Food Dealers. He loved the Chicago Cubs & Bears, and Notre Dame.

On November 17, 1951, in South Bend, Joe married the love of his life, Rose T. Panzica. They have enjoyed sixty-one years of marriage. He is survived by his loving wife, Rose; a daughter, Nancy Jo (Scott) Pletzke of Indianapolis; two sons, Michael A. Cira and Patrick J. (Sue) Cira, both of South Bend; seven grandchildren, Rachel (Rich) Brown, Lauren A. Cira, Michael Cira, Tara (Josh) Jones, Stacy Treadway, Matt & Elizabeth Pletzke; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Margery (Norbert) Hintz of South Bend; and his two brothers, Victor R. (Helen) Cira and Robert J. (Mary Ann) Cira, all of Granger.

He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Deborah Lee Cira, on October 27, 2008.

Joe was a very kind and gentle man. He loved his home, and his lawn and flowers. He always enjoyed sitting in front of his house visiting with family, friends and neighbors.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 30, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew. Msgr. Michael Heintz will officiate. Graveside services and military honors will follow at Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, where a parish Rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mr. Cira may be offered to St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, IN 46613. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on May 28, 2013.

06/21/2023 EJS

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