John Cira, 91, of Waco, Kentucky, formerly of Mansfield, passed away surrounded by his family Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at his residence. Born April 3, 1925 in Gary, West Virginia, he was the son of Charles and Viola (Rusz) Cira.
John was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard serving during World War II on the USS Centaurus (AKA – 17). He retired in 1982 from Ohio State Reformatory as an Identification Officer and was a member of the Ohio Identification Officer’s Association. He was also a member of St. Mary of the Snows Catholic Church and was a Gold Circle member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.
John was a quiet and easy going man who learned early in life the art of hand cut glass from working in the glass factories around Morgantown, West Virginia. He moved to the Mansfield area around 1950. John eventually purchased an original glass cutting lathe bringing it to his home in Mansfield. For years, he would hand cut glass for weddings and anniversaries and enjoyed showcasing his art in local competitions. John also enjoyed photography as it had been a life long passion of his. He was an avid fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers.
He is survived by two daughters, Cynthia (Randy) Scaggs of Waco, Kentucky and Sandra (Matthew) Thomas of Frederick, Maryland; grandchildren, James Scaggs of Montgomery, Alabama, Justin Scaggs of Las Vegas, Nevada, Joseph (Suzanne) Thomas of Abingdon, Maryland and Michael Thomas of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; a great grandchild, Trinity Scaggs; three sisters, Elenora Bungard of Frankfort, Michigan, Marian Lynch of Ashburn, Virginia and Pauline George of Rawlings, Maryland; and a brother, Dan Cira of Ranson, West Virginia.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Cira whom he married September 1947 and a brother, Charles Cira, Jr.
Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the funeral home conducted by Father Jeremy Miller. Burial will be in Mansfield Memorial Park where full military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care Plus, 208 Kidd Drive, Berea, Kentucky 40403.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com
