Frank J. Cicero, a retired housing inspector and member of the Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame, died Thursday at St. Joseph Hospital of cancer. The Baltimore native was 77.

A mass of Christian burial for Mr. Cicero was being offered today at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 8501 Loch Raven Blvd.

He won the amateur featherweight boxing championship for the

tri-state area of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia in 1932 and boxed professionally in Maryland for about three years. He was named to the state's boxing Hall of Fame in 1976.

During World War II, Mr. Cicero coached boxing at the Glenn L. Martin defense plant in Middle River.

He worked for about 20 years as a housing inspector for Baltimore City, retiring in 1976.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Cardinal Gibbons Council, and Ring 101, a Baltimore boxing club.

Mr. Cicero is survived by three brothers, Louis N. and Sal L. Cicero, both of Bowie, and Joseph J. Cicero of Baltimore; and a sister, Rosemarie Matassa of Pasadena.

The family suggested memorial donations to Immaculate Heart of Mary School, 8501 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore 21204.