Ronald John Cirata
Ronald John Cirata, age 71, longtime Shelby resident and currently of Marion, passed away peacefully at his home on Christmas Eve morning, December 24, 2025. Ron’s passing followed a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Ron was born September 23, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of the late John and Dorothy A. (Kolakowski) Cirata. The family later moved to Shelby, where Ron was raised and graduated from Shelby High School in 1972. He continued his education at The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1976, and later obtained a master’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University in 1982.
Ron lived life fully and passionately. He was a lifelong golfer, a car enthusiast, and swam daily for many years. He was highly artistic and a talented painter, finding joy and expression through his artwork. Ron loved traveling and taking vacations, but above all, his family was always his number one priority. He especially treasured time spent fishing with his grandchildren.
Ron dedicated his professional life to education. He began his career teaching at Shelby City Schools, where he served for seven years. He then moved into educational administration, first serving as principal at St. Mary School in Shelby. Ron also held principal positions with Mansfield City Schools and Marion City Schools before becoming Superintendent of Buckeye Central Local School District. He served in that role for 11 years prior to his retirement in 2010.
Ron married Monica A. (Yetzer) Cirata on June 19, 1976, and she survives. Together they shared a devoted marriage rooted in faith and family. They were longtime members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby and currently are members of Marion St. Mary Catholic Church. Also surviving are their children: Andrew (Jen) Cirata of Shelby and Sarah (Scott) Clark of Richwood; grandchildren: Swade Cirata, Kaden Cirata, Corbin Clark, and Evelyn Clark; siblings: Sue (Bob) Mahek of Shelby, Sharon (Mark) Dorian of Fairview Park, Tom (Michele) Cirata of Ocean City, MD, John (Julie) Cirata of Brea, CA, and Fr. David Cirata of Defiance; in-laws: Pam Cirata of Avon, Karl (Belinda) Yetzer of Canal Winchester, Andy (Ellen) Yetzer of Shelby, and Tom George of Shelby; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brother: Ray Cirata; and sister-in-law: Angelika George.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Ron’s brother, the Very Rev. David Cirata, will celebrate the mass with Fr. Chris Mileski concelebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tranquility Hospice 1949 State Route 37 W, Suite C Delaware, OH 43015 or via their website (tranquility-hospice.com/donate/).
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website at PenwellFuneralHome.com or on its Facebook page.
To view Ron’s Tribute Video, click here: Ron’s Tribute Video.
Monica, I am so deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband, Ron.
What a blessed life you have had together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Monica and family ~ so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. You and your Family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Monica, please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort and sweet memories .
I remember walking into 2nd grade at Whitney and this tall guy with a booming voice called our names, one by one. It was a new school for me and now a boy teacher?!?!?
Much love & many prayers for family & friends. Mr. Cirata will always live on in the hearts & minds of the people he influenced throughout his years.
Dear Monica,
We did not know Ron was sick, so this came as a surprise to us. Our hearts break for you! We know Andy and Sarah and their families will be a great support for you. We have many memories of Ron driving his cars around Shelby. We send our thoughts and prayers to you! Joe & Lynn Wechter
Jean and I are very sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. Our condolences to you all. May he rest in peace.
Andy I am so sorry to hear the passing of your dad. He was such a gentle giant to us as little kids when he was principal at St Mary’s. May he rest in peace thoughts prayers for you and family.
Monica and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Prayers for all in your days ahead
I’m so sorry for your loss. Many prayers and thoughts going out to the family.
I am so very saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. Many fond memories of my teaching years at St Mary’s and St Joe’s. Sending prayers and hugs.
David, sorry for the loss of your brother.
Our heart breaks for you and your family. We did not know that Ron had been ill! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
I am very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He contributed a great deal to the education of many students. We send our deepest condolences to friends and family.
My dear friend Monica, I can’t imagine the sorrow you’re feeling right now. Please accept my deepest condolences, if you need a shoulder to lean on or just someone to help with anything don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here for you in anyway possible. Hugs and prayers are with you and your family. Nan
Monica and family, So very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time
Monica- I am so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family for now & the days ahead.
Prayers& hugs……so sorry for your loss. God be with you all!
Monica and Family, so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in all your wonderful memories.
Dear Monica,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family for your loss. I know he will be deeply missed.
Connie
Monica i am so sad your husband is gone
Really don’t know what to say. Your in my prayers. And with your family and time you’ll do ok
Monica – I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I had no idea that he was battling cancer. Hang on to precious happy memories. Sending hugs and prayers of comfort and peace.
Monica,
I am so very sorry to hear of your dear husband’s passing. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Your friend,
Sue
Monica, sorry to hear the sad news of Ron’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Monica you & your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers
Monica, I am so very sorry for your loss; I had no idea Ron was battling cancer. You and your family will be in my prayers. You were perfect and beautiful together. Love you, my sweet friend.
Monica, I am so sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. Sending you and your family my heartfelt condolences.
Monica and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We are so very glad we got to meet Ron and you at our picnic this past August. Linn enjoyed getting to know Ron. I look forward to taking a walk with you and Kay in the spring.
Praying for God’s peace to overshadow you.
Love in Christ
Colleen
Monica & family, so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. My deepest sympathy!
Dear family members accept my condolences for the loss of Ron. May you cherish your good memories and remember his goodness.
Monica and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and as you get thru the Christmas Season. You’re a beautiful family.
Dave and Chris
So very sorry to hear this news-have known this family since they arrived in Shelby!! My prayers are with all you!!
Monica,family n friends
Sorry to hear of Ron’s passing
God Bless you all with good memories and know you are in my thoughts and prayers
Dear Monica and Family, I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I was a school classmate of Ron’s , as well as a neighbor growing up on Louise Drive in Shelby. Our deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of Ron.
Dear Dave:
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. Although the loss on earth is bitter, we know that he is in God’s hands. May God reward him for all the good he has done. — Tom Extejt
My dear friend Monica,
Lisa and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are here for you, if you need anything at all, please call. We’re here. ❤️
To the Cirata Family,
We were so sorry to read about the passing of Ron. Please accept our sympathies and prayers.
The Ron Nelson Family
Monica,
You have my condolences.
One day at a time sweet lady. Lost my husband in 2001. He 51. I. 39
So very sorry to hear about Ron. Love and prayers are with you all.
Dear Monica and Family,
Our heart goes out to you with the loss of Ron! He was a kind and wonderful man and very loved by his family. This is such a difficult time and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry to hear of Mr Cirata’s passing. I worked under him at Buckeye Central and he was so kind to me, especially when I had to put my oldest on the kindergarten bus right outside his office. He had my son get right in the driver’s seat and said, “Mom, now you have the perfect picture.” Sending prayers to the entire family.
Dear Monica and Sharon: So surprised to read of Ron’s passing. My prayers are that you both and your families will have peace knowing that he is in a better place. Although we have lost contact with each other over the years, I have many fond memories of you both. Bless all at this difficult time.
Ron was a pilot who achieved solo before realizing that this wasn’t for him. He was an accomplished man in many ways, and I was very sorry to hear of his passing.
Ron was a student of mine for aviation and achieved solo. He was a very personable man and will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Dear Monica,
We are so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Monica and family, so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. May God be with you all at this tragic time.
Fr. Dave,
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your dear brother. I pray for peace for you and your family as you grieve. May Ron rest in the glory of heaven until you see him again.