4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
CIANI, AMETILIO, ALPINO, (A.A. “TOM”)
A.A. “Tom” Ciani, born April 1, 1924 in Freedom, PA, passed away on Feb. 29, 2012. Tom is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Alice Mae; survived by his children, Michael (Michele), Kimberly Ann (Mark) Van Wassenhove, Kyle Emily (Douglas) Cutter and John Ubidio; grandchildren, Jonathon Ciani, Jacob and Claire VanWassenhove, and Margaret Cutter; siblings, Lorida Harvey, Eddie, and Dennis (Linda) and many nieces and nephews. He was a WWII Navy veteran and received a BS in Communications from Boston University, as well as a Masters of Special Education from Pitt. His first teaching job was at Ft. Defiance, AZ on the Navajo reservation. Upon moving to Phoenix in 1954, he taught in the Creighton School District and Cordova Elementary where he taught Special Ed and Physical Ed for 30 years. A devout Catholic, Tom was a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle since 1954 where he ushered for many years. Tom officiated AIA basketball and volleyball for 25 years. For 42 years, Tom was dedicated to St. Mary’s High School athletics, and was affectionately known as “The Voice of St. Mary’s.” He was closely involved with St. Mary’s Girls basketball for 32 years and was thrilled to keep score for the 2012 State Championship game that capped off their undefeated season. Tom was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who always provided for his family and will be dearly missed. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm with a Rosary at 7pm, Sunday, March 4, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am, Monday, March 5, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Mary’s Catholic High School (http://www.smknights.com/waystogive.htm).
To all the Ciani’s,
Tom was my godfather – a wonderful man who was loved by everyone who knew him – an energetic, positive role model for all. We will miss Tom very much. My deepest sympathy.
Love,
Robbier
To the Ciani Family:
Our love and prayers are with you and your family. Your Dad was a great person who cared very much for all of you and was extremely proud of each of your acomplishments. He loved your Mom and is now reunited with her in heaven. Your Dad was a vital part of of St. Mary’s Athletic programs for many years and has to be regarded as one of the pillars of St. Mary’s. I had the pleasure to have your Dad as part of the Lady Knights Basketball Program for 24 out of the 32 years of its existence. Not only was he the “Voice of St. Mary’s”, the “Best Scorekeeper Ever” but also a father figure to the coaches and players. Your Dad was a close friend to our family. Our relationship with your father dates back to the old CYA games in which I coached for St. Mary’s Elementary over 30 years ago. During this time he always shared his knowledge, thoughts, and feelings about athletics, family, school and life in general. He and your Mom were present for our wedding, and the baptism of all of our children. One of my greatest thrills was when your Father asked me to induct him into the St. Mary’s Hall of Fame. Another thrill was hearing your Father announce the names of our boys David and Daniel during St. Mary’s Football games. Another great memory was when we dedicated our 2004 Undefeated (35-0) State Championship Season Banner to your father. This insured that your Dad would always have his place in the banners along with all the other great teams. Your father was a great man who can never be replaced. Our family is so grateful to have had him as a loyal friend. We will miss him dearly but I also know that he is probably announcing a great game in heaven as we speak with his loving wife at his side. God Bless all of your family.
Sincerely,
Coach D. Judy, David, Denise and Daniel Denogean
It is with great sadness that I read this…I was trying to reach Tommy to let him know that is shipmate from WWII (Frank “Doc” Reggero) has also gone home to be with the Lord.
I am so sorry – Tom and my dad were the best of friends and stayed in contact for many, many years. When I was on a business trip in Scottsdale about 20 years ago, Tommy met me at the hotel and we enjoyed a great conversation.
Love and prayers,
Michele (Reggero) Starkey