Ronald John Cirata, age 71, longtime Shelby resident and currently of Marion, passed away peacefully at his home on Christmas Eve morning, December 24, 2025. Ron’s passing followed a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Ron was born September 23, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of the late John and Dorothy A. (Kolakowski) Cirata. The family later moved to Shelby, where Ron was raised and graduated from Shelby High School in 1972. He continued his education at The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1976, and later obtained a master’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University in 1982.
Ron lived life fully and passionately. He was a lifelong golfer, a car enthusiast, and swam daily for many years. He was highly artistic and a talented painter, finding joy and expression through his artwork. Ron loved traveling and taking vacations, but above all, his family was always his number one priority. He especially treasured time spent fishing with his grandchildren.
Ron dedicated his professional life to education. He began his career teaching at Shelby City Schools, where he served for seven years. He then moved into educational administration, first serving as principal at St. Mary School in Shelby. Ron also held principal positions with Mansfield City Schools and Marion City Schools before becoming Superintendent of Buckeye Central Local School District. He served in that role for 11 years prior to his retirement in 2010.
Ron married Monica A. (Yetzer) Cirata on June 19, 1976, and she survives. Together they shared a devoted marriage rooted in faith and family. They were longtime members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby and currently are members of Marion St. Mary Catholic Church. Also surviving are their children: Andrew (Jen) Cirata of Shelby and Sarah (Scott) Clark of Richwood; grandchildren: Swade Cirata, Kaden Cirata, Corbin Clark, and Evelyn Clark; siblings: Sue (Bob) Mahek of Shelby, Sharon (Mark) Dorian of Fairview Park, Tom (Michele) Cirata of Ocean City, MD, John (Julie) Cirata of Brea, CA, and Fr. David Cirata of Defiance; in-laws: Pam Cirata of Avon, Karl (Belinda) Yetzer of Canal Winchester, Andy (Ellen) Yetzer of Shelby, and Tom George of Shelby; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brother: Ray Cirata; and sister-in-law: Angelika George.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Ron’s brother, the Very Rev. David Cirata, will celebrate the mass with Fr. Chris Mileski concelebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tranquility Hospice 1949 State Route 37 W, Suite C Delaware, OH 43015 or via their website (tranquility-hospice.com/donate/).
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website at PenwellFuneralHome.com or on its Facebook page.
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com