Mr. Anthony "Tony" Chiffy

Mr. Anthony “Tony” Chiffy, age 75, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2014 at Mohawk Valley Health Systems, Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, with the love and support of his family. Born in Utica on October 19, 1938, Anthony was the son of the late Joseph and Eva R. (Cerra) Chiffy. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1956. He furthered his education at the Albany College of Pharmacy graduating in 1960. On November 21, 1959 he married his high school sweetheart, the former Mary Femia, with whom he shared a 54-year union graced with love and harmony. His wife and children filled his life, and he provided them with unity and strength. In 1965, Tony and his best friend and brother-in-law, Rock Femia, established and began the operation of Parkway Drugs, an iconic enterprise which grew to become the region’s largest independent pharmacy. Tony always had a smile on his face that complemented his friendly personality and his kind heart. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and so enjoyed attending their sporting events. As a man of conviction, whenever Tony decided on a goal and determined what he was willing to exchange to attain it, he established his priorities and gave it his all. He had an insatiable desire to accrue knowledge and he was not afraid to give up the good and go for the great. This spirit and strength of character also shined through in his accomplishments as a sports enthusiast. During a city championship basketball game, Tony made a historic over-half-court shot, a most memorable and renowned achievement during the Proctor vs. Utica Free Academy sports rivalry. On a collegiate level, he held the basketball points scored record at the Albany College of Pharmacy. He also loved the game of golf, a good game of cards with the boys on Mohawk Street, and the thrill of the horseracing track. He found joy in his travels to Florida where he spent his winters with his wife and his beloved in-laws, Rock and Amy. Tony was devoted to his Catholic faith and held a great devotion to the Blessed Mother. It was his faith that brought him perpetual hope and encouragement in the midst of his life’s challenges. Tony is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Ann and Dr. Thomas Caruso, Eve and Dale Van de Wal, and Rose and Dominick Mauro, all of New Hartford; his sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony “Tony” II and Melissa Chiffy, twins Joseph and Heather Chiffy, Vincent “Vinny” and Nicole Chiffy, all of New Hartford; and his grandchildren, Christine, Tom, and Carrie Caruso; Ann, and Bob Van de Wal; Joe, Marisa, and Maryrose Mauro; Ashley, Tony, Matthew, and Alex Chiffy; Caitlyn Chiffy; and Olivia Chiffy, and Christopher Luckina. Left to lovingly remember him are his sister, Celia Chiffy of New Hartford; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his mother-in-law, Anna Femia; and in-laws Rocco M. “Rock” Femia Sr. of New Hartford, Judy and Dominick Totino of Long Island, and Raymond Cardinale of New Hartford. He was predeceased by his brother, Alexander A. Chiffy; his sister, Theresa Cardinale; his father-in-law, Vincenzo Femia; and his sisters-in-law, Amy Femia, and Alice Chiffy. The family is grateful to the doctors and nurses who tended to Tony, especially Dr. Kevin McCormick, Dr. Gerry Love, and Dr. Eric Yoss for their years of compassionate and professional care. By family request, please omit flowers. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Tony’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions may be considered to the Albany College of Pharmacy, ACPH Office of Institutional Advancement, 106 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 (www.acphs.edu); envelopes will be available at the mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Anthony "Tony" Chiffy

October 19, 1938 - March 10, 2014