Robert James Cira

In the early morning hour of November 12, 2025, our family lost a steady, joyful light as Robert Cira, 91, peacefully completed his earthly journey at Wellbrooke in South Bend. A lifelong member of St. Matthew Cathedral, Bob spent his entire life in the community he cherished, guided always by family, faith, hard work and a generous heart.
Bob was born on March 17, 1934, in South Bend, to the late Joseph P. and Rose (DeCola) Cira. From his earliest days he carried the legacy of a family rooted in love, laughter, and hard work. Bob graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School and attended Indiana University Bloomington. On June 25, 1955, at St. Matthew Cathedral, South Bend, Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life Mary Ann Sharp, beginning a marriage that would span 64 beautiful years. They built a life woven with devotion, humor, and the kind of partnership that stands as a testament to both faith and heart. When Mary Ann passed in 2019, Bob carried her memory with quiet reverence, loving her just as fiercely in absence as he had in life.
Bob spent more than four decades nurturing Cira's Supermarkets in South Bend and later in Granger. The store was not just a business; it was a community gathering place where Bob greeted neighbors by name, offered a warm laugh, and practiced the small, everyday kindnesses that leave lasting marks on a town.
Bob's greatest joy, though, came from his family. He is survived by his son, Brian Cira of Goshen, IN; daughters, Deborah Cira of South Bend and Dana (Roger) Martin of Charlotte, NC; daughter-in-law, Robin Cira of Niles, MI; and brother-in-law, Norbert Hintz of South Bend. He also adored his eight grandchildren; Ashley Cira, Ryan (Linzi Carlstrom) Cira, Britt (Tom) Cassady, Ali (Andy) Lopez, Bob Cira, James Cira, Bradley (Cara) Martin, and Gabrielle (Keegan) O'Shea; six great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife Mary Ann, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Cira; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Cira; sister, Marge Hintz; and brothers, Joseph A. Jr (Rose) Cira and Victor (Helen) Cira.
Bob, affectionally known as Pops, Papa, and Grandpa, was known for his fun-loving spirit and infectious laugh, Bob possessed the rare gift of lifting the atmosphere of a room simply by being in it. Bob was a true Italian, loving when family gathered around food. He was a man who delighted in simple joys - time with loved ones, attending his grandkids sporting events, a lively game of tennis, the camaraderie of a senior softball team, trips to the casino, playing cards, Notre Dame football, doing puzzles and his daily walks. He was also a very committed and passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs.
Throughout Mary Ann's struggle with dementia, Bob showed a steadfastness that spoke louder than words. In the end, he received that same love and care from his family during his own journey. The family offers deep gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice of Elkhart, Harmony at Elkhart, HolistiCare Homes and Wellbrooke for the compassion extended during Bob's final chapter.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, November 24, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Cathedral; 1701 Miami St, South Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m, with interment at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger. All are welcome to a luncheon at Villa Macri; 225 Toscana Blvd, Granger.
Expression of sympathy in memory of Robert J. Cira may be offered to Alzheimer's & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana; 922 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN 46617.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.