Joseph J. Cicero

Joseph J. Cicero, 90, former mayor of Niles, passed away at 7:46 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, at his residence with his loving family by his side.

He was born Oct. 30, 1927, in Niles, the son of Phillip and Lena Granata Cicero.

Joe was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles. He was a 1946 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, where he was his class sergeant-at-arms and was honorary football captain.

Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June of 1946, and served two years. He was stationed in San Diego, Calif., where he graduated from Medical Corps School. He was also stationed in Oakland, Calif. Upon discharge, Joe attended YSU.

Joe opened his grocery business in 1951, which became famous for its homemade hot sausage. Throughout over 50 years, Joe expanded his business to a beverage center and state liquor store.

He was elected councilman-at-Large for two terms, 1976 to 1980, and then was elected mayor of Niles, 1980 to 1983. Under his leadership, his administration was responsible for many capital improvement projects throughout city.

After leaving office, Joe relocated to Fort Myers Beach, Fla., where he was involved in real estate and land development.

Joe was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus; Niles Lions Club, where he served as past president; the Niles Frontliners and the San Filippo club. He was a supporter of all sports activities, sponsoring many Niles youth league teams and playing and sponsoring many Niles softball teams.

He was a Niles McKinley Alumni Association recipient in 1980.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Nancy A. Spinella Cicero, whom he married Sept. 22, 1951; a son, Joseph N. Cicero of Niles; a daughter, Carla D. Cicero of Niles; a brother, Peter R. Cicero of Warren; a sister, Thelma DeMatteis of Niles; sister-in-law, Ursula Cicero of Florida; four grandchildren, Nicholas Rose, Cara Cicero, Joanna Ciletti (Michael) Gombos and Robert Ciletti; two great-grandchildren, Aniello Joseph Rose and Milania Prezioso.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John A. Cicero; and brother-in-law, Vincent DeMatteis.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at noon Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles, with the Rev. Christopher Cicero officiating. Friends and family may call 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Holloway-Williams Funeral Home, 611 Robbins Ave., Niles. Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery, where Joe will be honored for his service to his country by the Trumbull County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that material contributions be made to the funeral home, in Joe’s name, to be dispersed amongst his favorite charities.

The Cicero family would like to express their appreciation to the numerous compassionate caregivers that lovingly cared for Joe throughout the years.

To view this obituary and send condolences to the Cicero family visit www.hollowaywilliamsfuneralhome.com.

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