Peter J. Lira, 66, of Jacksonville, IL, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Jan. 30, 1958, in Roseland, the son of Pete Gino and Phyllis (Rybicki) Lira. He married Natalie Weber on Oct. 9, 1982, in Deerfield and she survives.

He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Phyllis and Tom Gardner of Phoenix, AZ; three daughters, Malary (Kyle) Dornbos of Woodbridge, VA, Kelsey (Gus) Lakamp of Bloomington, and Audra (Brandon) Pilarte of South Jacksonville; nine grandchildren, Veronica, Dashiell, and Eugene Dornbos, Jane, Ruth and Calvin Lakamp, and Thea, Oliver, and Lena Pilarte; and three sisters and two brothers, Jeanne Lira of Phoenix, AZ, Cynthia Puschak of Denver, CO, Michael (Ann) Lira of Granger, IN, Joseph (Tracy) Lira of Mesa, AZ, and Kathryn Lira of Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by his father.

Mr. Lira was a 1976 graduate of Rich Central High School in Matteson. He then graduated from Illinois State University, where he played tight end for the Redbirds football team. Following ISU, he earned his Master's Degree in Education from Western Illinois University. Pete began his teaching and coaching career at South Fork High School in Kincaid, coaching football. He then began teaching at Jacksonville High School, serving as the Head Coach of the JHS Football program. Before his retirement from JHS in 2015 he had begun teaching as well as coaching football at Illinois College. He retired from IC in 2020. Over his career, Pete had also coached swimming, baseball, and track and field.

Pete and Natalie owned and operated Carriage House CrossFit in South Jacksonville. He was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. He enjoyed all forms of cycling, including gravel, flat tire, road, mountain, and long-distance riding. He had participated in a 24-hour ride as well as several triathlons. Above all else, Pete loved his family. He especially loved his grandkids and enjoyed roughhousing with them and giving them horsey rides.

The family will meet friends 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested to Midwest Youth Services. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.