James E. Cera

NILES - James E. Cera, 77, died at 4:30 pm Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at the Trumbull Memorial Hospital following a sudden illness. He was born in Niles on November 15, 1935 the son of Joseph and Ruby (Smith) Cera and lived in the Niles community most of his life. A graduate of St. Stephen School and Niles McKinley High School in 1953, he enlisted in the United State Army and served in Germany during the Korean War.  After being honorably discharge from the Army, he began a career with MetLife Insurance Company for 36 years.  He was a licensed life insurance agent, financial planner and held a brokers license for exchanging stocks.  He retired in 1997 as the District Manager of MetLife.  He was a lifelong member of St. Stephen Church and was an avid World War II History enthusiast.  He enjoyed watching movies and reading about World War II, fishing, golfing and photography.  He especially loved the time spent with his dog, Lily. Jim is survived by his wife Catherine L. (Limongi) Cera; son, Joseph A. (Denise) Cera of Niles; daughter, Diane (James) Basista of Niles; three granddaughters, Sarah Catherine Smith, Kacie Cera, Carli Cera; brother, Joseph (Nena) Cera of Peach Tree City, Georgia; sister, Mary Ellen Readman of Niles. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jane A. Cera. Calling Hours will be Friday, November 30, 2012 from 5 to 8 pm at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 10 am at St. Stephen Church.  Rev. Thomas Kraszewski will be the celebrant.  Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.