Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Harold Cilley Obituary
Born September 12, 1953; Harold had a full life starting in Ida Michigan where he was raised. He graduated from Ida High School in 1971. Harold married Paula VanEeckhoutte in 1972 and shortly after joined the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist. After his service, he worked at Ford Motor Company in Monroe, MI, and retired after 35 years. He has always been a part of Ida's athletic program from playing sports in high school, to coaching, grounds maintenance, organizing concession programs, and running the scoreboards.
In his retirement, he drove a shuttle bus, the safari train, and carousel for the Toledo Zoo and was a bus driver for Monroe Public Schools, West Toledo YMCA, Washington Local Schools. He enjoyed watching sports especially the University of Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions. He also loved camping and was looking forward to traveling around the country in his RV with his high school sweetheart and wife of almost 49 years, Paula.
Harold is preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Mata; and sister, Laurie Mata.
He is survived by his wife, Paula Cilley; his children, Chad Cilley, Todd Cilley and Dawn Mason; his dad, Frank Mata; his brother, Tim Mata. He had 5 grandchildren who were the light of his life. Harold was a loyal, loving hardworking man and will be deeply missed by all.
Due to the Covid restrictions, we are delaying memorial services until summer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Cilley
Jean Horne
January 28, 2024
I remember as kids we would look at the Sears catalog together and he told me he would buy me a diamond ring from there!
Then we went to the creek and spear fished..carp
Mary Jane and Paul Mielke
February 9, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss. Memories of card games and family gatherings with lots of laughter and good food have been in my mind since we heard the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jean Horne
February 7, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts are heavy. Memories have been flooding my mind of past family gatherings where our paths came together through the years. Please know our prayers are with you.
Ron and Jean Horne
Bernadine Bashaw
February 6, 2021
Memories of us Mason girls marrying Ida guys. I remember your wedding reception well. There was something about your marriage that was special. Losing Harold has got to be the biggest heartbreak ever but you will heal as time goes by so they say. You will never forget but you will heal. Leon was in shock over hearing your sad need about Harold. May the peace of the Lord be with you always.
Love and hugs from Bernadine and Leon Bashaw
February 6, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Sherry Keister Watters
ROGERS RITA
February 6, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sherry Trombley
February 4, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.Harold will be missed but never forgotten his love will be carried on in our hearts forever.
Love Sherry and John Trombley
Aimee Mottmiller
February 3, 2021
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He worked with me at the YMCA taking care of our busses. He made sure the busses were above par in safety for our kiddos and staff. I know his Grandchildren will miss him he talked about his grand daughter a lot and his eyes twinkled and shined every time he would mention Grandkids. Prayers for his family
Ms Aimee
Tamera Sigworth
February 3, 2021
You are going to be missed deeply Harold and you will live in our hearts and minds. At our class dinners at Applebees, you loved their french onion soup and always knew you would order it. You were a lot of fun at these dinners. I will never forget you told me my car might start, in the Mason High School parking lot, if my car was in park. LOL ! You made my friend Paula happy and it really showed. You're in God's hands now and I know you are watching over Paula and the family. You will be missed a lot.
Dick and Marty Kampraath
February 2, 2021
Margaret Kamprath always called Harold her 5th son. As a child his favorite thing to do was hang out on the farm with the boys. He was a cog that helped keep the farming operation running in the 60's and 70's, always willing to do whatever was asked of him. It was our honor to stand up for Harold and Paula as they took their wedding vows in March 1972. We will miss him greatly. Our sincere sympathy to Paula, Chad, Todd, Dawn, and all the grandchildren. Peace and love to you, Marty and Dick
Alan Elmes
February 2, 2021
Harold may have departed from this earth but he’ll never truly leave, for he is still alive in our hearts, through us, he’ll live on. My condolences to the Cilley family.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Harold Cilley's name
Memorial Events
for Harold Cilley
How to support Harold's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Harold Cilley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
