John Matthew Cibrario, 82 years old of Pleasant Prairie, WI passed from this life into the arms of his Lord and savior on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Hospice Alliance Hospice House, Pleasant Prairie, WI. He was born April 11, 1940, in Kenosha, WI, the eldest son of the late John and Adeline (Widmar) Cibrario. He attended local schools and participated in sports to the highest degree. He graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1958 and went on to attend LaCrosse State University. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1962. Right before graduating high school, he met Rosemary Zarletti, who would become his lifetime partner and love of his life for fifteen days short of their 60th wedding anniversary. They had a fun-filled and very special courtship for four years, and wed on June 23, 1962, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Kenosha, WI. John taught mathematics for 38 years at Bradford High School, Kenosha, WI retiring as head of the mathematics department. During his tenure, he was head coach of baseball for 33 years (the longest term in the school’s history), and football for 15 years. John was inducted into the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame for excellence of coaching and meritorious services to the game of baseball in the State of Wisconsin; the Bradford High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in the areas of Education and Athletics; the Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame; and the Kenosha Bradford and Tremper High School Sports Hall of Fame for outstanding achievement and having provided an impressive model of excellence for youth to follow in the future. He was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1981 and in 1994, he was presented an award from Sportainment for 30 years of coaching. He was an exceptional coach, teacher and mentor to hundreds of students as well as his sons and grandchildren for all of his years, even after retirement. He was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast throughout his life, as well as a volunteer for just about everything and anything that needed his expertise. He will be sorely missed by the community he lived and grew up in and those whose lives were touched and shaped into something better for having him as a part of their lives. After retirement, he and Rosemary enjoyed winters in Arizona for 20 years, touching even more lives and easily becoming a friend to all he met. John truly loved his family and the Lord and enjoyed spending time with them, sharing many stories along the way. Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Rosemary; three sons, Jeff (Jolanta) Cibrario of Buffalo Grove, IL, Mark (Kathy) Cibrario of Libertyville, IL and Robb (Pamela) Cibrario of Kenosha, WI; siblings, Dominic (Gerri) Cibrario, Dan (Mindy) Cibrario and Susan (Sy) Bachman; sister-in-law Cheryl Cibrario; brothers-in-law Dan (Susan) Zarletti and Ed (Jodie) Zarletti and sister-in-law Becky Zarletti; five grandchildren, Kyle Cibrario, Kaci Cibrario, Deanna (Mitchell) Keesey, Samantha Cibrario and Emmie Cibrario; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother, William Cibrario in 2020 and a brother-in-law, Larry Zarletti in 2013. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7307 40th Avenue, Kenosha, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum, Pleasant Prairie, WI. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Mary Catholic Church, or Hospice Alliance, in his memory. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign John’sOnline Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
John Vitkus
June 18, 2022
Our deepest sympathy from all members of the Vitkus family on the passing of our former neighbor and parishoner of St.Mary's. He was a great teacher, coach and father. John and Margie Vitkus
Bryan Callahan
June 16, 2022
We were in the same graduating class, 1958. I remember comparing out cars
Sam & Cecelia Perri
June 14, 2022
Very sorry for the passing of John. Always remember his devotion to The Western Kiwanis Baseball program and very grateful for all he did.
Peter Barca
June 13, 2022
My deepest sympathy to the Cibrario Family! Coach Cibrario was an inspiration always guiding his students and players to rise to the best of their abilities. Our entire community has lost a dedicated professional and a wonderful citizen!Most Sincerely,Peter Barca
Paula Thomas
June 13, 2022
Rosemary, So sorry for your loss. I always felt that you and John had a very special marriage. Thinking about you and your boys and keeping you in our prayers. God bless your family. Paula and Wayne Thomas
David & Marilyn Lauer
June 12, 2022
Our late daughter loved having Mr. Cibrario for math at Bradford High School. We are very sure Emily was there to greet him when he arrived in Heaven. Rest in peace, Mr. Cibrario - job well done here.David & Marilyn Lauer
Maureen Sorensen
June 12, 2022
Mr. C was one of those teachers that changed or shaped a student's life. He was instrumental in developing my love for math, and he was always willing to help me after school if I didn't understand a concept or problem. He was a kind, gentle man, and was truly an exemplary teacher. I went on to be an Engineer and am now a VP of Operations, thanks to a few select teachers like him. I wish I would have told him how much he helped shape my life. Rest in peace, and thank you for having a profound, positive impact on my life.
Janice Wells
June 12, 2022
Rosemary, I feel very sad learning of John's death. He was my very favorite teacher. It was so much fun waiting on him and reminiscing when he would come in to the Post Office, where I worked in Phoenix. Many times I would run into you and John at Fry's grocery store. John was truly one of the good ones. I am so sorry for your loss.
Peggy Ankney
June 12, 2022
Mr. C was an important part of my high school experience, and I will never forget his advanced math class. I don’t have many detailed memories of any classes from HS, except for Mr. C’s. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. I wish I had told him how his teaching inspired me to pursue math and physics in college, and that he is one of the teachers that I emulate in my own career as a high school teacher.Peggy Ankney (Perozzo) ‘81
Jackie Tenuta Malone
June 12, 2022
So sorry to hear about Mr. Cibrario. I had him for Math class back in the late 60’s. He was my favorite teacher, always smiling. Rest In Peace sir. Jackie Tenuta Malone
Jan and Patricia Ocker
June 11, 2022
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a kind, wonderful man. Sincere condolences to his entire family.
Steve Pfeiffer
June 11, 2022
Cibs was a great teacher, coach, and role model for many people. The few years playing for him were some of the best times on the baseball field. Too many fond memories on and off the field to write down. My sincere condolences to all of the family. Love, Steve Pfeiffer and family
The Towers
June 11, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family. He had our kids in his math classes and our boys as a great baseball coach. Such a fantastic mentor! ❤️ The Tower families Terry&Mary Tracy,Todd,Tara,Tim and Troy
Theresa Eberhage
June 11, 2022
I will miss you my dear cousin. Had so many good, fun memories playing board games as children with my family and your brothers. You had such a wonderful smile and warm personality!Deepest sympathy over your loss to Rosemary and family.Love Marilyn Smith and Family
Kris Miller
June 11, 2022
John was a great teacher, coach, mentor and a good man. Always enjoyed bantering with the Bradford retired teachers (guys only, except for the one time MS Ruth (Welker) Peterson attended), at the old "Village Inn"/Gateway Cafe on Tuesday mornings. Always had great conversations with him when running into him around town. Another good man and mentor has left us. Rest my friend.
Kevin Larsen
June 10, 2022
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was my math teacher at Bradford and really did a great job of getting us ready for the self-discipline and responsibility to handle college courses. I became an actuary, and my love of math was certainly nurtured and enthused by John Cibrario.My condolences to his family. His memory is truly a blessing to many. May be continue to be so for all of you.
Ozzie & Joyce Sorensen
June 10, 2022
Rosemary and family,A time for comfort and caring. A time for sharing many warm memories. A time for honoring a wonderful life. A time to celebrate a life well lived. With deepest sympathy.
Judy
June 10, 2022
I’m sorry for your loss. A great teacher. A great person. A great mentor.