Harry Cia

On May 2, 2017, Harry Cia heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto Me and rest." At 94, he was ready to join his generation. Harry loved his faith, wife, Stella Schmal Cia, children, extended family and friends and country. Harry was born March 5, 1923, in Little Italy, Arkansas, to James and Rena Cia. He moved to Little Rock and attended school at St. Andrews and Catholic High. During his senior year, he was drafted into the army. It was during basic training that Harry obtained his GED. One of his proudest moments was in 2012 when Catholic High School recognized his service to country and presented him a Catholic High diploma and lifelong alumni status. It was during his training for deployment in Savannah, Illinois, that he met a secretary named Stella. They wrote while he was stationed in Luzon, Philippines. After the war, she came to Little Rock and looked up her soldier that she called, "My Harry." Kismet. Harry will be missed by his daughters Jayne, Jeanne, Joan and June. All of them, at varying times, he referred to as his "favorite." Survivors also include sons-in-law, Chuck and Tim and the best kind of friend and neighbor, Wayne. Harry's faithful companions; three Yorkshire Terriers, Bitsy, Rosie and Daisy, remained by his side until the end. Remembering Nono with love and respect are grandchildren Sarah (Josh), Matt (Shelly), Katie (Aurelio), James (Laura), and Emy. Add to the list, great grandchildren Grace, Andrew, Avery, Dexter, Alaia, Hunter, Stella, Bernice, Aurelio and Alice. How do you give a "special thanks" to so many people and organizations? The VA Health System has always given Harry the best of care and utmost respect. That would include Dr. Fields, Dr. Cannon, and Dr. Li and his Team 16. We also want to thank the VA's Home Based Primary Care Service and Hospice Home Care. They guided the family through these final weeks. We want to thank Elaine Lazelle from Care Links, who was so gentle with Harry. Most of all, the whole family came to know and depend on two of the most compassionate and faithful caregivers, Thivha Sykes and Julia Collins. They ministered to not just "Mr. Harry," but the whole family. We really feel blessed by all you did. Visitation will be Friday, May 5, at 6 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 West 12th Street, Little Rock. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church with Monsignor Francis I. Malone as Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at Holy Souls Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Little Rock Catholic High School. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.