Vince Ciraco

If God is smiling today, it’s because Vince Ciraco walked into heaven on Friday, October, 7, 2022.  Grampy passed away peacefully in his sleep and for someone who lived as great a life as he did, this seemed like the perfect way to go, if there is such a thing.  Grampy, or to everyone else in the world, Vince, was the youngest of 3 children born to Rose and Frank Ciraco.  He was born in Akron, Ohio, on May 30, 1934.  He lived in Akron all of his life until joining the military during the Korean War.  Grampy lived a life of service, first by his military service, and later by serving the citizens of Akron for over 30 years in various positions on city council.  He married Sheila Eash in 1989 and became step-dad to Mo, Jo, and Nancy.  Boy was he in for an adventure.  He moved into a home with 3 girls, a cat named Big and a dog named Ubu.  He was loved and respected by every one of the hundreds of the girl’s friends who walked in and out of the house on Iredell St.  We became one big happy family.  We did not adhere to the typical “step-dad” or “step-father” relationship.  We were a family first and foremost.  We felt the same way about Grampy as we did about our own father, and oftentimes would all gather together for a game of golf, birthday parties, weddings, and holidays-just one of the hundreds of examples of the kind of person that Grampy was.  When the first grandchild, Tommy, was born, Vince became Grampy and was known as such from that point forward.  Grampy has always been a loving example of dependability, patience, tolerance, and kindness.  He was always willing to help with a home improvement project and there was no handy man problem that he could not solve.  He loved golf, trips to the beach, working in the yard, cleaning his cars while listening to CarTalk on NPR, a great meal, peanut butter desserts, golfing and hanging with his sons-in-law, watching the grandkids grow up, cheering on the Browns, Cavs, and Indians, and watching Tiger Woods golf.  

Vince is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sheila, their dog Crickett, daughters Maureen Brown (Chris), Dr. Jo Eash (MJ), Nancy Bartlebaugh (Tom); grandchildren Tommy, Connor, Mitchell, Sydney, and Cameron and several nieces and nephews.  We would like to think that Vince is having the time of his life in heaven being reunited with his sister and brother, mom and dad, and numerous friends and relatives that have passed before him; pets Big, Ubu, Buggy, Kitty, grandpets Mula, Roxy, and Dr. Stray. 

Per Vince’s request, cremation has taken place.  Calling hours Friday, October 14, at Hennessey Funeral Home, 552 N. Main St from 5:00-8:00 pm.  Mass of Christian burial, Saturday, October 15, 11:00 a.m., at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 83 Mosser Pl., Akron, Oh, 44310 

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