James Chilleri

James G. Chilleri, 88 VERO BEACH, FL - James G. Chilleri, 88, of Vero Beach, FL and Chaplin, CT, passed away July 30, 2013. James was born in Barre, MA on October 13, 1924, the son of Domenic and Josephine (Giarusso) Chilleri. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Eileen (Jacob) Chilleri; three sons: Thomas of Old Lyme, CT, Michael of Morrill, ME and Stephen and his wife Jane of Chaplin, CT; four grandsons: Kyle and his wife Chrystal, Matthew and Timothy Chilleri and Jarid Bailey; four step-grandchildren: Brett, Michelle, Ryan and Kara Cournoyer and three great-grandchildren: Brenden, Chloe and Riley Chilleri; sister-in-law, Gladys Chilleri and nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his son, James G. Jr; sisters: Rose Desjardins, Catherine Staiti; brothers: Andrew, Joseph and daughter-in-law Donna. He was a veteran of WWII, attached to the 3rd Army with the 965th Maintenance Engineers serving in the European Theatre of Operations. He was a 1943 graduate of Barre High School and a 1950 graduate of Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA, and later earned a Master's Degree in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Studies and School Administration from UCONN. His career was devoted to Elementary Education, 23 years of which he spent at the Annie E. Vinton School in Mansfield, CT, 18 years as Principal. After retirement in 1985, he became involved in the Association of Retired Teachers of CT. He enjoyed travelling extensively with Eileen throughout the U.S. and Canada in their RV. They made several trips to Europe, visiting England and Italy in particular. In 2003, they became "Snow Birds" wintering in Vero Beach, FL and spending summers in Barre and Chaplin. As per his wishes, there will be no calling hours and burial will be private at the convenience of his family. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity most dear to his heart: The Smile Train P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231 or to the charity of one's choice. For online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.