Obituary of Paul Peter Ciciarelli

Charlotte, NC – Paul Peter Ciciarelli, affectionately known as “Mr. C,” “Coach C,” and “Rhino,” 83, entered eternal life in the early morning hours of July 3, peacefully in Charlotte, NC. Born on March 22, 1940 and raised in the Syracuse Valley Neighborhood, he was youngest boy of eight children born to the late Salvatore (Sam) and Mary (Kohan) Ciciarelli.

He is survived by his children Paul Christian Ciciarelli (and wife Mary Ann Ciciarelli) of Charlotte, NC, and Maida Ciciarelli of Waxhaw, NC; his sister Cathy Ciciarelli of Syracuse, NY; ex-wife Dr. Glennda Dawley-Turk of Waxhaw, NC; and his grandchildren Evelyn Ann Ciciarelli of Charlotte, NC, and Paul Welch and Josephine Welch of Waxhaw, NC; and he joins his beloved grandson Lee “SuperLee” Ciciarelli in Heaven.

Paul relocated to Charlotte to be near his grandchildren. He spent his retirement coaching his grandchildren from the sidelines at the Weddington Athletics Fields. He truly enjoyed watching the athletic talent his grandchildren acquired from him. Paul, was deeply devoted to his family, his Syracuse Orange, the players he lovingly coached, and his Valley community. A graduate of Christian Brothers Academy class of 1959. Football was a large part of his life and the legacy he leaves; he was inducted into the CBA (Syracuse, NY) Lasallian Athletic Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. As CBA head football coach from 1992 to 1998, he guided teams to four league championships, two sectional championships, and one New York state runner-up title. He was also named New York All State football coach in 1996.

Paul was an Orangeman through and through. Not only did he grow up in Syracuse, he graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1963. There, he joined ROTC and played football under legendary head coach Ben Schwartzwalder and alongside the great Ernie Davis. After serving as an active-duty Captain in U.S. Army Military Police, he went on to work for the Syracuse City School District as a longtime coach, teacher and administrator; and attained a Master’s Degree from Cortland State University in 1975.

Paul’s primary passions related to athletics and his Italian heritage. He was a beloved fan of the ‘Cuse football and basketball teams, the New York Yankees, and daily wagering on thoroughbreds at Saratoga, Aqueduct, Del Mar, Ruidoso Downs and more! He volunteered as a coach with Blodgett School, Valley Stallions Pop Warner, Valley Youth Hockey, Valley Little League and Valley Babe Ruth, and St. James Elementary School. He was an active participant in the Valley Men’s Club and Italian American Athletic Club. His proudest moments were always those spent with his family and the many students and players he impacted over decades of his life. He will truly be missed.

Charlotte services: Sunday, July 16th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Syracuse services: visitation 1pm to 4pm Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Farone Funeral Home, 1500 Park Street, Syracuse, NY and 10am Mass Monday, July 31, 2023 at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church.

Condolences can be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.

In lieu of flowers please donate in memory of Paul & Lee Ciciarelli to: Donate | Timothy Syndrome Foundation.