I was born in 1957. My very first memory is of Johnny fixing the chain on his bike in our driveway. He and Joey were a part of my daily life for at least 3 years when Mama Chirco, my Nonna on the other side of our shared driveway, watched over me. They all told stories of my crying in Italian and my own Momma having to call Mama Chirco to have her translate for her! Apparently the cookies I wanted were asked for in Italian even at home! I loved my « big brothers. » Joey and his family lived in my house one summer when daddy studied someplace far away. I loved my time spent in Papa’s first and second shoe repair shops! The smell of leather work is still comforting to me 65 years later. When Johnny’s parents passed, my folks didn’t even tell me… Daddy protected my heart that way with my Mama & Papa Saladino too. Lafayette Avenue was vibrant with languages, children and wonderful home cooking. Italian church festivals and walks over to the ice cream shop across from South High where my Daddy taught Science. Johnny and Joey showed up for me as I worked on my Master’s Degree as we talked cultures and language. I am me because of you. Je t’aime toujours! Your little « sister » the French Teacher! God bless all of you . 

P.S.  We are planting a red bud tree at our cottage in his memory.

John Chirco was one of the finest persons I have ever known.  He was a man of unequaled integrity and character.  John lived his Christian principles both professionally and personally.  He was a man of vision and great talent who supported friends and colleagues with kindness, sensitivity, honesty, concern, and compassion. It was an honor to work and socialize with John.   He is one of those people who lives in your heart forever because of their great impact on your life. Although our paths have not crossed for a long time, I celebrate his June 30 birthday silently each year and will continue to do so.  I am so sorry for your family, Judy, as well as for the rest of  us who knew him.  His passing is a great loss to the world.  May his memory bring you peace.  Jackie Brayman

Today, I learned of John’s passing. I worked with John for many years at Wyoming Public Schools and was lucky enough to continue working with him at Central Elementary in Grandville. What a joy it was for me to work on his Team! A better Child and Parent Advocate has yet to be recognized!
My heat aches for you Judy and for your family. May the many wonderful memories you have carry you through this journey!  Love, Michele Tysse

I was so sorry to hear that John has passed on. I worked with him at WMAAA. He was a great mentor and friend. He always had a cheerful and optimistic outlook. He helped me through many student challenges.  I remember him fondly. Sympathies and condolences to his family. I’m sure he will be missed.
Jane Cretens

So sorry to hear about Uncle John"s  passing,  He was a very kind man, I have fond memories of him ...Our deepest sympathies. to Judy and family.
love Dan and Marv

John was such a great person to be around and work with.  I can't picture him without a smile on his face.  I worked with him at West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics, and even when dealing with difficult things, John always found the way to find the good in it.  He always saw the positive side of things.  I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.  Sending much love to his family.

I was so sorry to hear of  John’s passing.  I worked closely with him for 10+ years at West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics.  He taught me a great deal during his time there.  He was such a caring and supportive person to both students and staff.  John was a great colleague and good friend while we both worked there.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends.

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing.  I worked in the Wyoming Public Schools with John for many years.  It was a pleasure working with him.   John always wanted the very best for students and staff.  He had great compassion for others and was a kind and caring man.  I always admired John for his professionalism when dealing with students, parents and staff.  He touched a lot of lives and  helped make the world a better place.  I am so glad that I knew John as a friend.  I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope that all your  wonderful memories of John help sustain you through this very difficult time. 
Liddy Olszewski

I worked with John at several Wyoming schools.  He was one of the most understanding and kind men that I have known.  I never in my life heard him say anything unkind to anyone.  He was a wonderful man and I greatly respected him.  He helped so many children and adults alike.  He will be sorely missed by many.

Patricia Cramer

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He interviewed and hired me for a special ed teaching position in Wyoming 29 years ago.  I remember him as a dedicated and caring educator...definitely a class act!  May the happy memories you have of him sustain you in the days ahead.

I am sad to hear of his passing but grateful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Chirco.  I will remember him as a caring supervisor who had his teachers best interests in mind and those of the students as well.  I will remember the many conversations we had in passing, often about sports. Heaven awaits my friend.

The short time I knew John he was warm, caring and always interested in the other person health and well being. Condolences to the family.

Michael Kaminski

John and I shared many life experiences together. We worked and played together for many years. He was a man of character and compassion. His gift of human  understanding will endure though the many peoples’ lives he touched. It was my honor to have shared so many life experiences with John. He and Judy are family to my wife and me.

With so many life experiences together It is difficult to chose one. Marilyn and I remember our meeting with John and Judy in Tucson AZ. John got me interested in coin collecting. He and Judy were attending a coin show in Phoenix. Marilyn and I were wintering in Tucson that year. We made contact and drove up to Phoenix to attend the show together. We also had many good days with them in Sarasota FL. 

 We will always remember John. Our sympathy and love go out to Judy and their beautiful
family.

Dr.& Mrs. Richard Brown

Thank you to your family for sharing him with us for so many years. I knew him growing up with my family (Mary and Gordon Jebb), then as he helped me grow roots and grow my faith and hope in my place as a special education teacher in Wyoming Public Schools. He was a kind man, spoke his truth and taught others to brave in the face of darkest times. Peace and Serenity to you all. Love, Sarah Bolema (Jebb)

Condolences to the family for the loss of John.He certainly was a caring professional as he contributed to the Wyoming Public Schools for so many years.Lean on family and friends at this difficult time. Wishing you God's peace.  Chuck Bocskey.

Chirco Family,
So sorry for your loss of a great man! 
Caring, fun loving and gentle person!! 
A Friend of many years with both John and Joe!
Barb Schultz

John was such a special part of Jackson Park MS!  He loved kids and colleagues and his optimism and commitment to people was ever present!!  Those of us who had the good fortune to work with him, were touched by him!  You will be greatly missed dear friend!  Our thoughts and prayers to Judy and family!!
Chuck & Lynn Sandro

John was a man of rare character, amazing compassion, and unwavering integrity.
He will be missed.

John was such a friendly and helpful person. He will be missed. He always had such great optimism and never failed to help wherever he could.

John will be remembered and missed by the staff at Southwest... I can’t share all the stories but I do know that some of us would not have stayed in education if not for John. Thanks for not firing us Chirco... Larry, Seth, Norm and Otte.

John, we your TMIY brothers will miss your wisdom, wit, compassion, and your loving care and sharing of your faith.  We know your work continues with the Lord please continue to watch and pray for us brother.  God has briefly moved you but we hope to see you again!   God bless John and we pray for his wife and family.  St.  Pius X.  TMIY small group.  I will miss you on Saturday and our lunches-Don McKinley

So sorry to hear of John's passing. I loved volunteering with John and Judy at SPX parish.  Prayers for peace and comfort in our grief.  May John rest in eternal peace. :broken_heart:

The compassion John showed our students at West will forever be etched in my heart. I loved watching him sit in the front pew, at 8:30 mass, while he watched Judy sing. :two_hearts: Judy and family ~May God give you peace and comfort the rest of your lives.
Jan & Jonathan

I am sorry to hear of Johns passing. John and I worked on several projects together at St Pius Church. I enjoyed working with him and listening to his stories. John will always have a special place in my heart. I will miss him saying ”Good Morning Katie” at Mass. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace. :pray::skin-tone-2::heart::pray::skin-tone-2:

Kate Ruemenapp

Judy and family - so sorry to read of John's passing.  We always enjoyed his positive spirit.   May you find comfort to know you did every possible thing you could for him to help in his battle.  Prayers and comfort be with you.

Sybil Gretz

John was my closest dearest friend and he will be sorely missed. I have enjoyed John’s friendship for the past two decades and will always cherish the many memories. Heaven has gained a phenomenal person today. My heart and prayers go out to his wife Judy and all of the family members. Rest In Peace.

I remember John  and Judy coming to help celebrate R J first birthday at my home is was a lot of fun and energy but so glad to have them John will missed by many but his family is not left without the joy and many memories he left behind  My deepest conference  Pat Misel

OBITUARY

John Chirco

June 30, 1946 – May 8, 2020

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