John Anthony Cicero

John A. Cicero Jr. age 75 of Newton Falls passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday Nov. 5, 2025 at St. Joseph Eastland Hospital in Warren. He was born on Oct. 6, 1950 in Youngstown, OH the son of the late John A. Cicero Sr., and Ann (Pavelko) Cicero. John had lived in Newton Falls for the last 48 years, formerly of Youngstown, OH where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in the Class of 1968. He then attended YSU and graduated from Ohio University with a BSS and AAS. John worked for the Department of Defense for 31 years retiring in 2003. He was a contract administrator for the US Army for 15 years, his last duty station was the Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant where he served as the last acting Army Commander's Representative (7 years) and received 7 Army Commendations, 2 Army Superior Unit Awards, the Superior Civilian Award, and the Ohio Commendation Medal before the installation was transferred to the National Guard. He spent 7 years with the Defense Logistics Agency, where he worked as a quality assurance representative and property administrator at various defense contractor plants in the Akron and Cleveland area, including Goodyear Aero Space, TRW Inc, Firestone, Goodyear Tires, Physics International, Babcox and Wilcox, Canton Timkin and White Engines. John began his career with the USAFR at the Youngstown Air Reserve Base, where he was an Air Force Reserve Technician with the 910th SOG. He spent 9 years working as an ordinance production controller, aircraft armament mechanic and munitions specialist. Prior to the Defense Dept, he worked for 4 years at PPG Industries in Youngstown, and was a member of Teamster Local #377, prior to that 2 years in the general offices of Republic Steel on Albert Street in Youngstown. He worked for the Census Bureau as an enumerator during the 2010 census. He also coached high school sports for 34 years at local high schools, retiring in 2012. John was Portage County Coach of the Year for softball in 2004, 2006, and 2007 when his teams at Garrettsville won league titles, Trumbull County Basketball Coach of the Year in 2005 & 2006, and AP Northeastern Ohio Basketball Coach of the year in 2005. Mathews was ranked 11th in the state in 2005 and won a league crown in 2006. He retired from the USAFR as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) in 1993 after 23 years of active service, 40 years total service, and his last duty assignment was with FEMA Chicago, assigned to Mahoning County Disaster Services. His military awards consisted of Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Medal with 1 device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 devices, Air Reserve Medal, Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Ribbon with 4 devices, Small Arms Expert, Marksman Ribbon, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Senior Aircraft & Munitions Maintenance Badge. John was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, Trumbull County Coaches Association, Mahoning Valley Coaches Association, Ohio Basketball Coaches Association, American Legion Post # 0888, Amvets Post #112, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, School Employee Retirees of Ohio, Ohio AFSCME Retiree Chapter # 1184, Northeast Ohio Softball Coaches Association, National Federation of High School Coaches, and he was awarded a Lifetime Award to the Youngstown All Breed Training Club. John enjoyed coaching high school sports, raising, training, and showing his Golden Retrievers, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by: his wife of 48 years: Ann (Kacenga) Cicero of Newton Falls, 2 sons: Garrick (Irene) Cicero of Cincinnati, OH, Craig (Emily) Cicero of Hubbard, OH, 2 daughters: Summer (Dan) Wasko Jr. of Warren, Briana (Scott) Cicero-Johns of Indian Trail, NC, 9 wonderful grandchildren: Amaelia & Dyana Cicero, DJ & Myah Wasko, Linnea & Lawrence Johns, and Chloe, Selah, & Josie Cicero. John is preceded in death by his parents: John & Ann Cicero Sr.

Cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will be at the St. Michael's Cemetery in Newton Falls. The family has requested that all donations be made to the Animal Welfare League 812 Youngstown- Kingsville Rd. SE Vienna, OH 44473 or to The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project 909 Martin Luther Blvd., SW, Warren, Oh 44485 in his memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com