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Elmira, New York

William Cieri Obituary

Cieri, William

Age 91, of Pine City, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center after a brief illness. Bill is predeceased by his parents, John and Carrie; brothers, Anthony and Charlie; and sister, Mary Hughes. Surviving is his loving wife of 59 years, Toni; son, Tom (Laurie) with children, Tracy (Bob) Marsh and Tom Jr. of Charleston, SC; son, Rick with children, Joseph (Amanda), James and Kimberly of Weedsport, NY; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Don (Dolli) of Rome, NY; sister-in-law, Terri Ley of CA; along with several nieces and nephews, all of whom meant a great deal to him. Bill was a graduate of EFA and Ithaca College where he majored in Education. He began his career at Howell Military School, Beecher School, and became Vice Principal of Ernie Davis, guiding and coaching many students before moving into Administration. He developed and grew the Community Ed Program, a member of both BOCES and the Elmira Board of Education, and was a member of the NYACCE. After retiring from the School District, he worked for 20 years at the Probation Department, where he saw the good in everyone and helped change many lives. He was involved in many civic organizations, including Lions Club, March of Dimes, and founded the Gold Card Club for seniors. He served in the US Army overseas during WWII. As a young man he enjoyed bowling, playing football, and golfing. Bill truly enjoyed life, his family and many friends. Bill was a communicant of St. Mary's Church, Southside. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira/Southport on Sunday, January 12, 2014, from 12:00 to 2:00 and 6:00 to 8:00. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, January 13, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin Street. Reverend Richard Farrell will celebrate Bill's Mass. The family will provide their own flowers. Those wishing may donate to a charity of one's choice. Bill's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com.

Thank You

The Cieri family wishes to thank his "family" of caretakers over the last 6 years, and the Arnot doctors and nurses for his care during his final days. We have three words for you, Bill...Rest in Peace!

Published by Star-Gazette from Jan. 10 to Jan. 12, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Cieri

Not sure what to say?





Rick and family, my deepest sympathies for your loss, we only recently heard the sad news,

Jim Annan

February 7, 2014

Toni, Rick and Family,

Please accept our sincerest thoughts and prayers. Bill will be missed by all... he had a special way of making you smile when you were with him!

Tom Yarnell

January 15, 2014

Tom, Laurie, Tracy & Tommy: You have been in my thoughts at this difficult time. Tom, always remember you were a devoted son.

Pat Lovich
Atlanta, GA

January 15, 2014

Dear Toni and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. Bill was a wonderful man. So glad we had the opportunity to work with him and also to have you as dear friends.
Mary Jane and Chuck Paternoster

Chuck Paternoster

January 13, 2014

Toni,so sorry for you and your families loss. I know how hard it is, I lost my mom in Sept. You are in my prayers.

Mary Jo Cicora-Piasecki

January 13, 2014

To the Family of Bill Cieri:
I had Bill for a 7th & 8th grade Math teacher at Beecher School in the late fifties. He was one of a kind and will always be my #1 favorite teacher. May he rest in peace. I will never forget him.

Susie Sampsell-Wade

January 12, 2014

I am honored to have known bill for many years. my condolences to his family.

tom markferding

January 12, 2014

Tom, Laurie, Tracy and family and Tommy...thinking about you....

Betty Carey

January 12, 2014

Toni & Family:
I will always remember the friendship that Bill & You extended to me during my employment (CETA) with the Elmira City School District and thereafter.
And, I was glad to have Bill attend the 2001 "Manning/Hughes Family Reunion". He knew many present at the reunion and he had a great time.
God Bless you all and until we meet again, God Bless you, Bill
Jim Manning
Elmira, NY

James Manning

January 11, 2014

Toni and family, was saddened to see that Bill passed. Have great memories working with him at the District. He was a champion for all. Much sympathy to you and yours.

Carole Allen

January 11, 2014

Toni: Dad and I are very sorry to hear about Bill's passing. RIP Bill, Andrew and Marc Carboni

January 11, 2014

Toni, so sorry about your husband. I didn't know him very well but I know he was a good man being married to you. You were always one of my favorites, as well as your borther Tommie. Don't get to Elmira very often now, but next time I do, I will call. You and family our in our prayers.

DorothyCarboni Watts Cameron

January 11, 2014

To the Family, I worked with Bill in many youth serving arenas through the past 40 years. He was solid and dependable as he was caring and willing to take a chance. The seeds he planted and cultivated will bear fruit far into the future.
Thank you Bill.
The Rev. Don Hoff

Donald Hoff

January 11, 2014

Toni, Tom, my condolences to you,family and friends. Bill was a comical/serious individual. He was fun to be around. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Don Bruner

January 11, 2014

Toni, Rick and family
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will always remember Bill with very fond memories. Our family found great comfort from the outpouring of love and support from the many people that paid their respects and attended the funeral for our recent loss. The memories of many years will be with you forever. There are no words to truly express our feelings, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

John & Linda Tam

January 10, 2014

Bill, I'm sure an awfully lot of people in Elmira and elsewhere were influenced by you. Your dedication to Community Education was known far and wide. As a member of the early morning Downtown Health Club gang, I truly enjoyed your humor and friendship. You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, friend.

Dave Fletcher

January 10, 2014

Toni: Kay and I are so sorry to here of Bill's passing.I enjoyed the time I spent with Bill both in education and friendship. WE wish you and the family
God's healing.

Dick and Kay Lenhart

January 10, 2014

Hearing of your passing has left a hole in our hearts. You were a real friend and colleague that will be missed by all who knew you. Yes, my friend, rest in peace.

Dana and Louise Smith

January 10, 2014

Tom and Lorie and the Cieri family, i am saddened by the loss of your father. He taught me a lot in life.

Lanier Bristol

January 10, 2014

Dear Tom,Lori & Cieri Family, We are so sorry about the loss of your father. He was a great man and an inspiration to many people. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Joe and Mary Margaret Murphy

Joe & Mary Margaret Murphy

January 10, 2014

toni and children bill was a great person and i enjoyed many breakfasts with him and at the health club with bob mashia(spelling)god bless you bill. glen mallette sr las vegas,nv

January 10, 2014

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HT TRULY WAS A GOOD MAN,I ALSO HAD HIM IN 7TH AND 8TH GRADE AT BEECHER SCHOOL,WAS A GREAT TEACHER AND RESPECTED

GLORIA POTRZEBOWSKI

January 10, 2014

So Sorry to hear about Bill. I was really surprised, I'm currently down in Florida, but send my condolences to Tony and Family

Sharon Voorhees

January 10, 2014

Dear Toni and your family,

My deepest condolences to you. Bill was a true friend and an important individual in the Elmira School District. He also had a GREAT sense of humor!

Sincerely,
Katie Zaccarine
Glen Ellyn, Illinois

January 10, 2014

To the Cieri family,

I worked with Bill in Elmira and he always put kids first.

Our hearts grant immortality
to those we love
in memory.

Carol Kennedy

carol kennedy

January 10, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the Cieri family. Bill was truly a great teacher and human being. As you go through life you look for people to pattern yourself after, Bill was one of those people for me. Thanks Bill for being the type of man you were, may you rest in peace.

Floyd Bennett

January 10, 2014

Rick and Family: My sincere condolences with the passing of your Dad. I remember him as being a big supporter of SHS football during our time with Coach Hurley. May these and all other good memories sustain you. God Bless.

Steve Hunker

January 10, 2014

Tom and family,
I was sorry to read of the loss of your dad this week. He touched many lives in the Education field in Elmira. God be with you and your family in the days ahead.

Marilyn Skebey

January 10, 2014

My sympathy and prayers to you and your family.

Robert Volcko

January 10, 2014

Our sincere condolences to your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Marge and John Taft

John Taft

January 10, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Keep your memories close to your heart.

Barb Girardi

January 10, 2014

Your awesome sense of humor was what standsout for me. You always had fun wherever you were. I was blessed to have you as a next door neighbor for over fifty years. I will remember your love of golf and Louie Armstrong...You and Mr. Hurley are now back together. Condolences to Toni, Rick and Family, Your Cousin, Mark Christofaro

January 10, 2014

Dear Toni and the entire Cieri family, May god bless you and your family in your time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. "Bill...rest in peace"

Walt & Brenda Brown

January 10, 2014

You are one of the best men I have ever known. Rest in peace Bill.
Love Jenny

January 10, 2014

Mr. Cieri was my 7th and 8th grade math teacher at Beecher school back in 1957-1958. He was a favorite of all the students including me. I remember an incident where I was talking to another student in the hallway. Mr. Cieri snuck up behind me, grabbed me around the ankles and pick me straight up above his head. I know he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Victor Lawson

January 10, 2014

Rest in peace grandpa, you were truley a great and inspirational man whom I will always strive to live up to, I love you. Grandma my thoughts and prayers and I am always here if you need me, I love you to

Joseph cieri

January 9, 2014

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