Joseph Raymond Cicero

Deacon Joseph R. Cicero, born December 01, 1951; preceded in death by his parents, the late Raymond and Pearl (Lawson), brother James, and wife, Betti (Lauer).

A military brat, Joe arrived in Erie as he entered his senior year in high school, graduating from Strong Vincent before furthering his education at Gannon University. There, he earned his BS in Industrial Engineering and MS in Operational Engineering, but more importantly, the love of his future wife, Betti, whom he would marry on July 10, 1976. Leaving Gannon, Joe went on to commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Trained as a pilot, Joe flew a multitude of trainers and light attack aircraft, most notably the carrier-based A-4 Skyhawk during his six years in uniform. He would be honorably discharged as a Lieutenant, returning to Erie from Japan before finally settling down in Girard, where he and Betti built their life and family.

Working for Copes Vulcan and General Electric before retiring from the workforce, Joe was as talented an engineer and pilot as he was a craftsman; his nativity scenes a fixture in the community. Not content to work only with his head or with his hands, though, Joe worked with his heart and his soul, joining the Catholic Diaconate in 2009 and spending the winter of his years active in the Erie Diocese, with the Maria House Project, Pleasant Ridge Manor, West, and Saint John the Evangelist Parish. Joe enjoyed martinis and Ancient Aliens, Mel Brooks and a good laugh, and especially the good company of his friends and family. That was his truest calling and greatest joy - the roles he played in his family and in his hometown, that of a son, a brother, an uncle, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and as a friend to his incredible community. 

He is survived by his daughters, Rachel Childs (Brian) and Rebecca Mountain (William "Butch"), and his sons Eric (Svetlana), Raymond (Sarah), and Joseph (Megan) as well as his sisters Carol Cicero and Cathy Gallagher (John), his nieces, his nephews, and of course, his nine grandchildren who carry on his spirit. He will be greatly missed by all who survive him - family and friends - and well-received by those who have preceded him. Rest in Peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can made to the Maria House Project, 130 W 19th St, Erie, PA 16501.

Friends may call on Friday October 31, 2025, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Edder Family Funeral Home, LLC, 309 Main St. E., Girard. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1001 Main St E, Girard, PA 16417. Burial to immediately follow at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery.

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