Describing the cigar community as “like no other,” Cigar Box PA co-owner Michael Barletta is set to host a silent auction featuring the extensive personal collection of fallen Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira Jr., who he describes as a “larger than life” member of that community.
The event takes place Sunday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. at Smoke Rings Cigar Bar in Hazleton. Admission is free. Proceeds from the auction will go to Pahira’s parents to establish a scholarship fund in his name at North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School – where Pahira was a standout wrestler – and to create a college savings fund for his nieces.
Pahira, a Schuylkill County native and veteran Pennsylvania State Trooper, died in the line of duty on July 1. He was a regular at Cigar Box’s Saint Clair location in the Coal Creek Commerce Center, where he held a lounge locker membership. Inside the Saint Clair lounge, Barletta has created a memorial in place of Pahira’s regular seat, displaying his photograph, an ashtray, and one of his favorite cigars.
“He was a good friend and a good customer,” Barletta said, noting he met Pahira nearly 25 years ago through mutual acquaintances in law enforcement when his business first opened. “Over a cigar, you just talk. We would hang out for hours. He was just an all-around good guy. He would do anything for anybody. Just a genuine, nice guy.”
Following Pahira’s death, Barletta assisted the family in preserving the collection, which was stored primarily at Pahira’s parents’ home in Frackville. Premium hand-rolled cigars require precise temperature and humidity controls to prevent degradation. Barletta said organizing the auction allowed the family to preserve the financial investment while offering friends and community members a way to remember the fallen trooper.
“People are buying his collection because they want a piece of Mike to remember,” Barletta said. “A lot of people knew Mike and we’re going to celebrate.”
The auction will feature more than 1,000 premium hand-rolled cigars, cutters, ashtrays, and related accessories. Some items from the collection were sold prior to Sunday’s event, according to Barletta.
The broader cigar industry is also contributing to the memorial efforts. Manufacturer Drew Estate has created a $75 merchandise package—featuring two rare cigars and branded accessories—available through Cigar Box PA, with all proceeds going directly to the memorial fund.
A second fundraising event is scheduled for Sept. 23 at Smoke Rings Cigar Bar, featuring Drew Estate brand ambassador Pedro Gomez. A portion of all Drew Estate sales during that event will also be donated to the fund.
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