John Anthony Cirota, Sr

John Anthony Cirota Sr., a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, entered his eternal rest while surrounded by his loving family, who lifted their voices in worship as he peacefully passed into the presence of the Lord. He was the proud patriarch of his family, holding true to family values and traditions. His life will forever be remembered for his faithfulness to God, to his family, friends, and to all who knew him. For 52 years, John was devoted to the love of his life, Nita. Together they built a beautiful family he was endlessly proud of. He especially cherished being a grandfather and great grandfather, finding joy in watching his family grow and in being such a big part of their lives. Everyone knew and loved him as Nonno. As the family’s keystone, John made it a priority to have his family in church and proudly lead the prayers around the table. Sundays were made sweeter by the aroma of his homemade spaghetti sauce - a cherished tradition and family favorite. John grew up in a musical family, where the home was filled with song from a young age. John found his passion for playing the drums and singing, a joy he shared throughout his life with family and friends. His father formed the Big Band Orchestra The Rythmairs, which started his musical career in many multiple genres. The love of music carried on from his childhood home to the home he built with his hardworking hands, where he shared the love of music with his own children that gathered them together. John formed a Christian band “Fiat” with his children, Tony, Brynn, Ryan and friends, to worship the Lord. A fun memory that many will forever treasure is how he often carried a harmonica in his pocket, ready to play a tune at any moment and bring smiles to those around him. John could turn any object into a percussion instrument and encourage others to join in on the groove. During his career journey, John worked as a dedicated coal miner before pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot, a true testament to his determination and courage. He owned and operated his own flight school “Eagle 1 Aviation” where he trained civilians and military personnel to obtain their flight license. John’s perseverance and drive to learn more, he went on from flying a Cessna to private jets. John was admired for his wisdom and dependability, building lasting relationships with everyone he worked alongside. John was proud of his Italian Heritage. One of his favorite memories was traveling to Italy with his Nonno and Nonna, staying at the Cirota Family Home in Prignano Cilento. He was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd degree Counsel in Elkton, FL and a 4th Degree Assembly in Carmichaels, PA. Volunteer Firefighter/EMT of Company 67 of Nemacolin, PA. Drummer for the Local VFW Band in Uniontown, PA where he had the honor to perform for President Nixon. He was a member of the Historic Florida Militia, as a drummer alongside his son, Tony, where they participated in living history events. Together, they were also members of the 46th PA Regiment Band. John also loved reading and discovering history, traveling, and living out his faith with strength and devotion. John was full of integrity and was a faithful servant. He loved capturing candid moments with his camera, leaving behind photos and videos his family will treasure forever. As a pilot, John hand selected his crew members throughout his life that was part of his story and journey. John gained his wings and the Lord prepared a clear runway for his flight to glory bound. Throttle up to his final destination, Heaven. “GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN. John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nita Cirota of St. Augustine; daughters, Jen Krivanek and her husband Danny of Bridgeville, Pa., Brynn Himes and her husband Josh of Summerville, SC; sons, John Anthony “Tony” Cirota, Jr. of St. Augustine, Ryan Cirota and his wife Andrea of St. Augustine; his mother, Trudy Cirota of Clarksville, Pa.; sisters, Tina Adamson and her husband Dan of Waynesburg, Pa., Nancy Faieta and her husband Randy of Rices Landing, Pa., a brother, Vince Cirota of Clarksville, Pa.; grandchildren, Colton Henry and his wife Erica, Brett Henry, Travis Krivanek, Gavri Himes, Civana Himes, Ryanna Cirota, Acio Himes, Rayna Cirota, Giovanni Himes, Gianna & DJ Krivanek, and great grandchildren, Josie, Callum and Nash Henry. ✝️ Services for John Anthony Cirota Sr. A viewing will be held on Monday, September 1st at St. John’s Funeral Home in St. Augustine, FL. • Family viewing: 4:00 – 5:00 PM • Public viewing: 5:00 – 7:00 PM A Vigil service will be held at 6:30. A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, September 2nd at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton, FL at 10:00 AM, with burial to follow. Following the burial, dinner will be provided at the St. Ambrose Community Center, and all are welcome to join the family in fellowship and remembrance. In lieu of flowers, our family would love meaningful keepsakes to pass down as lasting reminders of the love John brought into our lives. Thoughtful gifts such as something musical (like wind chimes), a religious token reflecting his faith, or a comforting blanket would be especially cherished. More than anything, your love, prayers and memories shared with us will continue to be the greatest gift❤️ All keepsakes may be delivered to: 53 Fox Water Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32086 St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John Anthony Cirota, Sr

August 21, 1954 - August 29, 2025