Chuck was born on April 1, 1927, the eldest son to Ettore and Diega Cifra. He attended Assumption Academy before he enlisted in the Navy in 1944 at age 17 during WW II. He served as a baker aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He baked and presented a birthday cake to President Harry S. Truman when he came aboard to commission the carrier in May 1945. Upon returning to Syracuse, he began his career at the Millbrook Bakery Division of National Biscuit Company. Charles worked at Millbrook Bakery for 38 years as supervisor before he retired in 1985. He obtained food and health related certifications from the American Institute of Baking and State University of New York at Cortland.
Chuck was an active communicant of The Church of St Peter for 55 years where he often volunteered, and present communicant of Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church. He was a member and former officer of the St. John's Golden Agers, member in the American - Italian Heritage Club and the American Legion, Eastwood Post. He enjoyed playing in the Syracuse Bocce League, as well as swimming, cooking, gardening, painting and spending time with his family. He was a devoted, selfless and hard working individual who was always ready and willing to help others.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Angelina (Adornato) Cifra; three sons, Charles A. (Patricia), Richard (Leslie), and Nicholas (Carolyn) Cifra; 6 grandchildren and a great grandson; a brother Anthony (Mary) Cifra, two sisters, Josephine D'Aquino and Angela (Patsy) Caruso; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Virginia Vanelli.
Calling hours will be at Farone & Son Funeral Home, 1500 Park Street, Syracuse, on Monday, March 28 from 4 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 29, at 10 AM at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash Street, Syracuse.
Contributions can be made to Hospice of Central New York (www.hospicecny.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).
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