CICERO, John, Raymond (Johnny). Early in the morning of February 12th, 2011, John Raymond Cicero in his eighty-fourth year, died with his family by his side. He passed peacefully from this life with humility, serenity and dignity to another place free of earthly short comings and frailties.
Left to mourn his loss are his wife, Florence (Graci), his daughter Juanita, son Len and daughter-in-law Leslie (Neil) and his two most cherished cherubs, Nicholas and Matthew (whose wonderful smiles he was never able to see). Survived by sister Philomena Avolio, in-laws Pat Cicero, Ida Cicero, Joseph (Josh) Graci and his wife Theresa. Predeased by siblings Charlie (Tona), Joe (Mary), Sam, Dominec Avolio, Marian Nigro (Albert), James, and Angelo. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews, who often sought his respected council.
John, his father and brothers were one of the first families to peddle fruit locally. Most of his working life involved the produce business: Melo-Ripe Bananas, Cicero’s, and National Groceries.
John and his brothers were founding members of the Italo-Canadian Recreation Club of Hamilton where he served on various committees throughout the years. He also coached minor football, baseball and soccer.
As an avid story teller, John's reminiscences of the North End (the Holy-land as he called it) were very colourful. Some of these stories have been threaded throughout the written words of university historians.
This kind and gentle man will be remembered by all who knew him.
We will miss you John. Visitation at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stoplight north of QEW) BURLINGTON (905-632-3333) on Tuesday 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. with Vigil Prayers at 8:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 287 Plains Road East, Burlington On Wednesday February 16, 2011 at 10 a.m. Entombment Holy Souls Mausoleum, Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Institute for the Blind or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.