South Bend Remembering Restaurateur
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA well-known South Bend restaurateur will be laid to rest Saturday. Vic Cira founded Cira's Restaurant in the 1950s and worked there for nearly six decades until 2012. He was 84. Obituary For Victor R. Cira
July 19, 1929- June 3, 2014
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (June 5, 2014) – Victor R. Cira, 84, lifelong area resident and businessman, passed away quietly at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at Healthwin Hospital, South Bend, following a two-year illness.
Mr. Cira was born July 19, 1929 in South Bend to the late Joseph P. & Rose (DeCola) Cira. He graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School, Indiana University – Bloomington in 1952, and served his country honorably in the United States Army for two years, stationed in Washington D.C.
On May 28, 1960 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, South Bend, Vic was united in marriage to Helen Mauro. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of fifty four years, Helen; his daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Gregg Gallant of Fishers, IN; his son, Joseph Michael Cira of San Francisco, CA; and three grandchildren, Alex, Griffin, and Victoria, all of whom he absolutely adored. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Mary Ann) Cira of Granger, IN. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph A. Cira, Jr., on May 25, 2013, and his sister, Margery Rose Hintz, on October 30, 2013.
Mr. Cira founded the Cira’s Restaurant on Miami Street in South Bend on September 20, 1954, and was there every day until February of 2012, when he became ill. The restaurant closed in May 2012, following 58 years. Vic was a true Italian. He enjoyed feeding people. Many of his loyal customers became dear friends throughout the years. He could often be found sitting at the table with customers, telling stories and laughing. He was a lifelong member of St. Matthews Cathedral, and was instrumental in overseeing the Annual Fish Fry. He loved anything Notre Dame, especially football and basketball. He was well known for his great tailgating parties at the games. Vic and Helen often hosted many members of the basketball team in their home for dinner.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 7, 2014 in the Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend. Graveside services and military rites will follow at Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2014 in the Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Vic may be donated to St. Matthew Cathedral. Online condolences may be left for the Cira family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
Source: Palmer Funeral Homes