Charles J. Chiarello

Mr. Charles J. Chiarello, age 95, formerly of Mason Street, and more recently a resident of the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center, passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his family by his side. Born in Utica on July 26, 1911, Charles was the son of the late Peter J. and Lucia (Fontana) Chiarello. Raised and educated locally, he proudly served in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. On January 30, 1936 he married the former Amelia DelMonte, with whom he shared 45 years until her passing on October 25, 1981. As a couple, they truly enjoyed each other’s company and shared in the common bond of family. Early in his working career, Mr. Chiarello was employed by the Foster Paper Co. Subsequently, he took a position with the Brunner Manufacturing Co., working in the shipping and receiving department for 28 years. Lastly, he worked in the maintenance department of General Electric Co., at the Broad St. and French Rd. locations, retiring in 1976 after more than 16 years of service. Charlie upheld a tradition of values, and was attentive to the emotional and spiritual needs of his family. Seen in his kindness and thoughtful acts as an exemplary person and a respected parent, his daughters cherish the many memories of his caring and charitable legacy. His grandchildren have many remembrances of his dedication as a grandpa. A good-natured man, he enjoyed socializing at the North Utica and East side senior centers during his retirement years. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed the serenity of the outdoors while fishing, a hobby he shared with his daughters and their families. In his younger years, Charlie was a competitor and spectator in the sport of boxing. He was a capable card player and took pleasure in his Saturday night friendly poker games. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Mr. Chiarello is survived by his cherished daughters and son-in-law, Lucille DeSimone of Utica, and Esther and Vincent Grimaldi of New Hartford. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Anthony P. DeSimone. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Patricia and Ronnie Vaccaro, Anthony P. DeSimone, Charles P. and Sara DeSimone, Karen and Michael Pezzulo, Deborah and David McKay, Mark and Kristine Grimaldi, and Kimberly Grimaldi; his great-grandchildren, James Joseph Graziano III and his fiancé, Nicole, Ronald Vaccaro, Victoria Vaccaro, Anthony Joseph DeSimone, Olivia Grace Pezzulo, Elise Juliana Pezzulo, Rachel McKay, and Halle McKay. In addition, he leaves his brother, Frank Chiarello of FL, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was predeceased by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Josephine and Nick Poccia, and Mary and James Elacqua; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Peter and Nellie Chiarello, and Joseph and Rosie Chiarello; and his in-laws, members of the Delmonte families. The family offers its heartfelt thanks to Dr. William Ryan and the Charles T. Sitrin staff of 53 Bed for the respect and love shared with Charlie, which will be long remembered by his loved ones. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Charlie’s honor to the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Chiarello’s funeral will commence on Saturday at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Charles J. Chiarello

July 26, 1911 - December 20, 2006