Hugh "Chap" Ciabattone

Ciabattone MILTON - Chap was born September 19, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pa. to the late Hugh Angelo Ciabattone and Dorothy Shepherd Ciabattone. While attending St. Thomas More High School, he developed his musical talent and played the saxophone, in both the marching band and dance band, "The Star Dusters." After graduating from St. Thomas More High School, he attended Spring Garden Institute in Philadelphia where he completed training for automotive repair. He was hired as a general mechanic at "Mickey's" Garage in Philadelphia and while working there he became an alignment specialist. In 1961 he enlisted in the US Navy. Four and a half years later, after his honorable discharge, he moved to Milton. He was employed by Triangle Oil Company in Easton, Md. for a year and then, while working for Cordrey Ford, in Millsboro, he and his father built a shop located outside of Milton. In 1970 "Chap's Alignment Shop" opened and soon became known as "Chap's Auto Repair" because of his expertise in all areas of auto repair. After thirty years of working on cars and trucks, diabetes made it necessary for Chap to close his business. Because of his knowledge and experience he was hired as a store manager for Auto Zone in Milford. He was employed there until his retirement in 2004. He loved the outdoors and he and his wife, Pat, enjoyed camping. Where they went so did their dog, King. Camping also gave Chap the opportunity to pursue a new hobby, photography. He had two photos that he was most proud of. One was the last sunset on December 31, 1999, and the first sunrise on January 1, 2000. Both were taken on the beach in Chincoteague, Va. Chap at one time was a member of the American Legion in Bridgeville, and also, was a current Knight in the Bishop Burke Knights of Columbus. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by a step brother, Anthony Ciabattone; and step-sister, Sister Rita Ciabattoni, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia; and most recently, sister, Dorothy Imburgia. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Patricia; a sister-in-law, Barbara Troffo, of Frasier, Pa.; niece Deborah Daly and her husband Daniel; nephew Frank Troffo and his wife Deborah and their son Tanner; and numerous nieces and nephews; and several cousins. Chap and Pat were especially blessed by exceptional friends, Don and Martie Taylor, Geoff and Ginny Werner, and Diane Jefferson. Family visitation will be at St. Michaels Catholic Church, 202 Edward St., Georgetown, DE 19947 on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 10 a.m. This will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at a later date in the Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, DE. Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Inc., Milton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Home of the Brave, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963.