Obituary of James Cira
Cira
James F. “Circus”
Of Rochester, NY, formerly of Morningside on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Beloved father of Frank A. Cira and James Cira (Alyssa); grandfather of David, Torrance, Madelyn, Katrina, Elijah, Gian, Greyson and Iris Cira; brother of Gloria Cira Sousae (the late John), Cosimo D. Cira (Leslie), Brother David E. Cira, O.F.M. Capuchin, and the late Frank C. Cira; son of the late Cosimo F. and Nancy M. Cira; also survived by cousins, many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Jimmy joined the Navy in 1969, serving 2 tours of duty in Vietnam with the Mobil Riverine Force, also known as the “River Rats.” Among his awards he earned a Purple Heart, Navy Commendation with V Devise for Active Valor and two Vietnam Campaign medals . He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1971. Upon returning from Vietnam, Jimmy continued his career as a baker and worked at Moio’s Italian Pastry Shop in Monroeville, PA, which is still in business today. He attended the Wilton School of Cake Decorating in Chicago, IL, and later taught a Cake Decorating Class at Allegheny Community College. He then worked 1 and ½ years as a Supervisor at Braun Bakery in Pittsburgh and 2 years at Millbrook Bread, also in Pittsburgh. He then moved to Rochester, NY, in 1977 and worked for Wegman’s as Head of the Research and Development Department for over 15 years. Unfortunately, Jimmy’s health problems, exacerbated by his wartime service prevented him from continuing in his chosen profession. With his warm smile, kind heart and gregarious nature, Jimmy will best be remembered for his loyalty to his friends and family. His family will always be grateful to his “best buds,” Jimmy Martin, Jimmy Brining, Richard Schmidt, Steve Ryms, Dave Porter, Janet Miller, Sandy Zera and others too numerous to mention whose faithfulness made his last days more bearable. Friends received at McCabe Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, www.mccabebrothers.com, 6214 Walnut Street, Shadyside on Friday, 2-4 and 6-8, where Funeral will commence on Saturday at 9 am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial in St. Raphael Church at 10 am. Interment to follow in Calvary Cemetery.