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Donald E. Cifra

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University of Miami

Donald Cifra Obituary

Don Cifra of Sebastian, FL passed away on June 14, 2014 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife LaVerne, daughters Kelly, Stephanie, Suzanne, five grandchildren and a sister. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on June 6, 1943. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Miami, graduated with a degree in education and went on to get his Masters in Administration. He was a teacher, football coach and principal for many years then became the Director of Athletics and Activities for the Broward County School System. He spent his retirement years fishing in FL and playing golf in North Carolina. He was loved by his family and will be missed daily. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at St. David Catholic Church at 11:30. 3900 S University Dr, Davie. A reception will follow immediately after. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Telegraph on Jun. 22, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Cifra

57 Entries

David Dowling

June 17, 2025

Hope you're still catching big fish!!!!! Miss you buddy !!!

DAVID DOWLING

June 16, 2024

Miss my old fishing buddy !!!!!

Dave "Engstrom" Weems

June 16, 2023

Coach Cifra will always be my head coach. He taught me so much. I will never forget him. Go Paladins 74!

David Dowling

June 16, 2022

Miss our fishing trips with the other Principal !!!!!!!

Dave (Engstrom) Weems

June 16, 2022

I still think of Coach Cifra often. Coach Kegley is with him now. They will always be my Coaches. I learned so much from these men. About how to be a leader and a man. They will never be forgotten. Class of 74.

David Dowling

June 16, 2021

Miss my old boat partner and fishing buddy !!!!!!!

Pete Gaudion

November 30, 2020

I am sorry but I don’t do social media but I played for Coach Cifra in 1969 & 1970 as a db/lb . We went 10 - 0 with our defense in that year! His wife let us (defense players ) come to her/ their) house for lunch before the season she looked like what is going on here? Coach wanted us to know we were part of his young family. Coach always had my back!! I would go to war for him and do what ever he asked me to do. He made me the person I am and helped me build my family that have the same great values that coach taught me. I am sorry that I am 6 years late on this but this needs to be said he was/ is great man and person. Bless you coach and all you did for me. Wish we had many more like you!

DAVID DOWLING

June 16, 2020

Miss him every time I go fishing !!!!!!!

Kathy DePalma

October 26, 2014

Hello, Don't know if you remember me but Kathy 'Tucker' then, lived next door to you in Plantation. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and have very fond memories of Coach Cifra...remembering your little tomato plant in the back yard...my dad placed a tomato right out of the refrigerator under the plant and your daughter came along and picked it up. Her words 'Oooooh that's so cold'...Coach Cifra immediately identified the culprit. :) He was a a very well-respected and well thought of part of the community...our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Tammy Lasley

July 27, 2014

Wow, I just saw the news today. Coach was the best. He loved teasing my about my four wheel drive truck and how a little girl like me better not hurt any of his players with that truck. Always giving me a hard time but in that unique Don Cifra way. You were the best Coach. It's all about the "U" coach. To his family my love and prayers are yours.

July 23, 2014

I was a student in Coach Cifra's social studies seminar at Plantation High in '68-'69. His was my favorite class. Coach Cifra provided us a forum to express our views on racial issues, economic inequality, and of course, the Vietnam war. By allowing 17 year old kids to have a voice, by being a respectful listener, he did wonders for our self esteem, and encouraged us to be engaged in our community, country, and planet. Coach Cifra was a great educator!
Paul Luby

Jim Ellington

July 9, 2014

Mr. Cifra presided over our Social Studies Seminar Class at Plantation High in 1968-69 and patiently allowed cocky seniors to solve the world's problems every day. Such patience and such a gentleman. As I near retirement from my own teaching career I number him among my mentors with humble thanks.

Glen Ellington

July 8, 2014

I had Coach Cifra when I was a senior at Plantation High School in 1969. While he was listed as the teacher for our Social Studies Seminar, in reality he was the referee for very spirited classroom discussions during that politically-charged time in America.
As a parent myself, I ran into him in the early 80's at a Father-Daughter Girl Scout Square dance when we had moved back to Plantation.I will remember him fondly as a genuinely humble man with a heart for kids.
Rest in Peace, Coach!

NICHOLAS DAVIS

July 7, 2014

YOU WILL BE MISSED RIP

July 1, 2014

Pat & I are so sad that Don has died. We knew he was very sick and we prayed for him every night at dinner time. We have been friends since high school and went off to the U of M together to play football. We were even at your wedding. What a great guy, loved him dearly. So glad we got to see him at a few games when the "Eldercanes" got together. We know how much you will miss him and our prayers are now for comfort and healing for your family. God bless.

July 1, 2014

God bless my team mate and friend, Cif. May you live forever in the Eternal Light of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. My deepest sympathy for the Love of his life, LaVerne.

June 28, 2014

To the Cifra Family,

My heart goes out to all of you. I apologize for not attending the service but, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mr. Don Cifra was one of the first professionals that I met when I began working for the Broward County Schools in 1980 at Stranahan High School. He was one of the best administrators that I have ever worked for and an asset to the entire Broward School District.

As I recall, he was also a devoted husband and father to his daughters. Laverne, may the Lord be with you and your girls throughout this very difficult time.

Kimberly O, Fernandez
A.K.A. (Kimmy Fernandez)

Melanie Hodge

June 28, 2014

Mr Cifra was very kind to me as a student at Hills. We worked side by side on many projects at the school. He always gave me great advice and helped me to become the teacher I am today. May you rest in peace and play ball in heaven!

Donna Clark-Francavilla

June 27, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at the loss of Coach Cifra. He was such an important part of our life when he was the coach of the Paladins at South Plantation High School when we were undefeated! I will always remember his passion to bring our school and football team to win and be the best that we were. Thank you Coach Cifra for what you did for our team and our school. We will always love you!

Anita Beinhaker ( Formally Salerno)

June 27, 2014

Mr. Cifra gave my my first teaching position at Hollywoid Hills High School. I was a 23 year old with dreams to be a math teacher! He was supportive from day one and always had a helping hand to lend. He was a wonderful man with a witty sense of humor! We spent many times arguing about football! He loved UM and I am a huge FSU fan! I will always cherish our rivalry! I am so sorry for your loss! He will never be forgotten!

Anna Braaf

June 27, 2014

Sending thoughts and prayers to the Cifra family...I will always remember Mr. Cifra at Hollywood Hills High, always making his students feel important.....

Nury Zapata

June 27, 2014

My heartfelt condolences to the Cifra family. He was my principal at Hollywood Hills High. I always remember his warm smile and encouraging words of wisdom! RIP my mentor & friend. God bless. Xoxoxo

Keri Maletto

June 27, 2014

Just got word of Donald's passing. I wanted to say he was a fantastic principal when I was a student at Hollywood Hills High and made an impression on me that has withstood many years. I send my sympathy to his family and friends. May he rest in peace and may all the lives he touched continue to pass on the qualities he left with them to others.

Kathy & Walter Machler

June 26, 2014

Our deepest sympathies to the entire Cifra family. Although we had only known Don over the past 10 years, he made an indelible impression. His passing is a great loss to our community.

Paladins first football session 1971.

Diane Skinner

June 26, 2014

During Don Cifra's tenure as the head football coach for the Paladins and social studies teacher at South Plantation High School, he inspired students and athletes alike.
His mentorship (along with others) became a valued contribution to the traditions established by the original
graduating classes. I remember Coach Cifra as an educator with great integrity and professional coaching skills. I send my heartfelt sympathies to the Cifra family.

peter Zelch

June 26, 2014

Thoughts are with the cifra family, he was always fun to be with. Sorry for the loss

Mary Cunningham-Becconsall

June 26, 2014

I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was one of my daughter's favorite teachers, and my son taught at Hallandale High when Don was the principal there. He was such a good man and will be greatly missed.
With deepest sympathy,
Mary Cunningham Becconsall

Todd Ritornato

June 26, 2014

My heart was saddened upon hearing of Don's passing. He was a great man and even though he was 17 years older than me he always treated me like an equal and made a positive impression on me in my teen years and later on in my life. We fished and scuba dived and ran and did things together and I felt like he was more of an older brother than just my neighbor. I am so sorry for your loss, but God has gained an Angel that will continue to watch over all of his girls that he loved so much. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Kevin Fandrey

June 25, 2014

Coach Cifra was a great football coach and a great family man. He will surely be missed. Our prayers go out to his family.

June 25, 2014

one of my favorite teachers at Plantation..Bless you and your family

Shari Sutherland

June 24, 2014

I remember Coach from my days at South Plantation. He was always encouraging the students, always giving us good advice for our future. Condolences and Prayers for healing for the Cifra family.

Christine Imms Chavers

June 24, 2014

Coach Cifra was a wonderful role model and a terrific teacher when I was a student in the graduating class of 1968 at Plantation High School. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family.

David Weems(Engstrom)

June 24, 2014

Coach Cifra was my first head coach at South Plantation in 1971. I (we) fought like hell to keep him there for our senior year. It didn't work out but we respected his decision. He was a great man and coach. I will always remember him and to this day relate stories and lessons learned from him. He will never be forgotten.
As Kent said, we love you Coach.

Gloria McCoy (Meadows)

June 24, 2014

Don was a very pleasant person, and I enjoyed working with him Stranahan High School. Whenever I had a problem, I could always turn to Don, and he would have an answer. He was a true friend. I will miss him, and my prayers are with his family.

Gloria McCoy

June 24, 2014

Don was a very pleasant person to have as a co-worker. I enjoyed the years we worked together at Stranahan. He will be missed. Thank you, Don, for being a true friend.

June 24, 2014

Great Coach...better person...I played on the 1972 Paladin team he coached.

Love you, Coach!
-Kent Conlan, South Plantation class of '74

June 24, 2014

great man. never started on varsity football but he always told me I was his most valuable player. thanks coach. Tim Coghlan class of 73

June 23, 2014

I worked with and for Don Cifra at Hallandale High. Don was not only a good principal but a wonderful
human being.
Regina Cameron

Robin "bobbin robin" (Tomain) Shelley

June 23, 2014

Uncle Don was such an inspiring person. I loved that he was always so positive about things. " if you want it go get it"... I'm so thankful he came to see one of my sons football games, he was so excited because Uncle Don played at UM and he was there watching him play. Of course he gave him words of encouragement that meant a lot to all of us. I love you "Unkie Don" !!! You will always be in my heart!!

Karen Hoover/ Kinsley

June 23, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Coach was always a great presence at Sourh Plantation. Very respect, very well loved and just all around great man!

Scott Dempsey

June 23, 2014

Coach Cifra he influenced a lot of people me among them, thanks Coach
Scott Dempsey
SHS 76

Brian Dassler

June 22, 2014

A committed educator; a good man.

Ron & Lyn Wright

June 22, 2014

A wonderful man who will be remembered with a smile.

Tammy Hill

June 22, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to the family of Don Cifra. He was very supportive to all my classmates and myself. He will be missed. Tammy Hill, Stranahan High School c/o 1987.

Chris Perry

June 22, 2014

So sorry for your loss.Thoughts are with your family. Always a member of the Dragon family.

Alicia Gruart

June 22, 2014

My heart felt prayers to the Cifra family during this time. It was an honor to have known the family as a neighbor, babysitter, and student.
Thank you Coach for setting the bar high and being such an encourager to so many whose life's you touched.

Lance Scott

June 22, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cifra family. Don was a great educator and I was proud to call him a friend

Diane Klopfenstein

June 22, 2014

He was an inspiring teacher! He challenged me to go deeper! I am a better person because of him! Diane Goodrum Klopfenstein SPHS 1974

Lance Scott

June 22, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cifra Family...great educator and friend.

David Dowling

June 22, 2014

Best boat pardner and fishing buddy you could ever have

David Law

June 22, 2014

Don was a good friend and will be missed by many. Praying for the family in this time of sorrow.

June 22, 2014

Don Cifra was one of the finest men we ever knew. Not only was an outstanding athlete, coach, principal, and one of the best County Athletic Directors in the history of Broward County, he is the best example of the word integrity that we know. Our heartfelt condolences to his family. David and Ann Fee

Maria Cardenas

June 22, 2014

Mr. Cifra was a wonderful principal, leader and human being. God bless him and his family in this very difficult time. You will all be in my prayers.

Marlene Tomain

June 22, 2014

Don was a wonderful
Brother-in-law. His memory will remain forever in my heart. Condolences to all who knew and loved him. He will be sorely missed.
Marlene Tomain

Debbie Arnold

June 22, 2014

Coach Cifra you were much loved and respected by the very first students at South Plantation High School. You gave us our undefeated football season that first year, a memory we still hold near and dear in our hearts. You would be very proud of the people we have grown up to be. See you on the other side.

Paul Woodall

June 22, 2014

LaVerne and the girls, May God bless and comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Don was a good family man, with a loving heart.
In all the positions that he held he excelled as a "true educator". The student came first!
To me he was a great co-worker, fishing partner and close friend, like a brother.
We will miss him, but I have lots of memories and stories, to look back on.
I love you man!
May God rest your soul.
Paul R. Woodall

John Drouet

June 22, 2014

Great man,great person. You will be missed coach.

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