Carmen "Tex" Cicero, 78, of Niles died at 12:40 PM Sunday, December 12, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 19, 1932 in Niles the son of Carmen and Angeline Maiorca Cicero.

He was a 1950 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Bachelors Degree in Education.

Employed as a Civics and Physical Education teacher for the Niles City School System, Carmen also known as "TEX" and affectionately referred to as "Mr. C" by his students, taught for 34 years before retiring in 1991. A life-long entrepreneur and businessman, his ventures included Camp "Hi-Ya," summer day camp, Cicero's Trout Park and Campground, and The 534 Stone Products, all in North Jackson, Ohio., as well as Mr. Scrubby's Car Wash, "Mr. C's" Pizza and Gameroom, the Magic Oven Bakery, Dana's Bar, and the Hot Dog X-Press in Niles.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, and many civic and community organizations, including a member and past King Lion of The Niles Lions Club, member and past President of The Niles Classroom Teachers' Association, Class sponsor and advisor for the Class of 1972, and a donor for the American Red Cross Blood Donor club. Tex, along with his friend and family priest, Father Nick Arioli, CPPS., initiated the Mt. Carmel Junior High football program, after which he had a long and successful tenure as an assistant coach for the Niles Red Dragon High School football team, coaching some of its greatest athletes from 1960 to 1973. He enjoyed wine and sausage making, among other things, and was an avid and talented ballroom dancer and instructor. His greatest pastime however in the later years of his life, was attending and being a fan of his grandchildren's many extracurricular activities. He lived his life for his family and never hesitated to let them know that.

Tex will be deeply missed by his wife Frances Toto Cicero whom he married August 8, 1964, two sons Carmen Cicero and his wife Jody of Niles, and Dana Cicero and his wife Michelle of Niles, a sister Phyllis Connelly of Niles, and two grandchildren Carly Cicero and Carmen "C.J." Cicero.

He was preceded in death by three brothers Joseph and Carmen Cicero and an infant brother, Carmen, as well, and three sisters, Thelma Bonanno, Rose Parks, and Sarella Gustovich.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where The Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry and Niles Lions Club will conduct prayers at 7:30 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM Thursday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, with Fr. Larry Frient officiating, preceded by a 9:30 AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Friends and family can view this obituary and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.