Ciro "Cy" Philip Tantillo

Ciro “Cy” Philip Tantillo, 80, of Syracuse, passed peacefully at the home of his son and daughter-in-law where he had been under the care of Hospice. Cy was born on August 8, 1935 in Utica, NY and lived on the North Side of Syracuse his whole life. He was a parishioner of St Daniel’s Church in Lyncourt. Ciro was an exceptional athlete while at North High School. He played baseball on the 1953 City League Championship team. Upon graduation he continued his academic career at the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1957. He returned to his alma mater in 1958, to teach Chemistry and also coached both J.V. football and Varsity baseball. His 1961 J.V. football team won the City League Championship with a record of 6-0, and was never scored upon. His overall record for 2 years was 12-0. When North High closed in 1964, Cy moved to Anthony Henninger High School where he continued to teach until retirement in 2000 after 42 years of service. His former athletes said, “He invested his heart, soul and strength into making us feel important, and he was a great mentor in our lives”. Cy was in demand as a classroom teacher as he was the ultimate teacher with a blend of humor to assist his students in remembering factual information. His reputation lives on through the students he taught. He cannot attend any event on the city’s North Side without a former student saying “Hi! Mr. T, remember me? You taught me chemistry at Henninger.” He was presented with the 2015 North High School Hall of Fame award for Education, unfortunately he could not attend due to his Illness but the award was graciously accepted by his brother and sister. Cy was the most patient, gentle and kind man and loved by many people. He was predeceased by his mother, Nancy LaRegina in 1983 and father, Philip Tantillo, Sr. in 1989. Ciro is survived by his sons, Philip (Deborah Hoffsher) Tantillo of Camillus, Anthony Tantillo of Syracuse and David Tantillo of Liverpool; grandchildren, Gina and Ciro Tantillo of Liverpool; his brother, Philip (Donna) Tantillo of Naples, FL; his sister, Pauline (Roger) Fortier of Cicero; many nieces, nephews and cousins in Syracuse and Utica and his companion of many years, Mary Wheeler. The family would like to thank the nurses on 3-2 at St Joseph's Hospital while he was a patient there the first two weeks of September. We will never forget your kindness and patience with the many visitors Cy had on a daily basis. Every one of you showed so much compassion to him. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 8:00 am at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Ciro’s life at 9:00 am at St. Daniel’s Church. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 1:00 – 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers please send donations in Cy's name to Hospice of CNY.

Ciro "Cy" Philip Tantillo

August 8, 1935 - October 28, 2015