Francis P Chiarella

Francis Chiarella, 80, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, December 19, 2025 at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ. He was born on March 31, 1945 in Perth Amboy, NJ, oldest son of the late Tommaso and Mary (Paone) Chiarella. On May 18, 1975, he married Maria Cavallo at Holy Rosary Church in Hopelawn, NJ. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Francis grew up in Woodbridge, NJ. He could often be found helping his parents at The Park Sweet Shop on Amboy Avenue in Woodbridge. He graduated from Woodbridge High School in 1963. Francis graduated from Tarkio College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in history. He served in the US Navy for 6 years during Vietnam and was honorably discharged as Electrical Mate Second Class. Francis and Maria raised their two sons, Thomas and Rosario, in Old Bridge, NJ. As the boys grew, they along with Francis became active members of Boy Scout Troop 66. He was a Troop Committee Member for Troop 66, generously giving his time and energy to support the scouts. He embodied the scout motto to ensure they were always prepared for their monthly campouts, always making sure nothing was overlooked. Francis especially enjoyed camping alongside the boys, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the outdoors. One of his favorite experiences was spending a week at summer camp in Forestburg, NY, creating lasting memories and meaningful connections that reflected his commitment to service and mentorship. He continued to join the troop for their summer camp week even after both of his sons earned their Eagle Scout rank.
Francis found happiness in helping others. He was always willing to offer assistance, whether it was fixing something around the house or giving a hand to those in need. His readiness to tackle any task, big or small, reflected his generosity and caring spirit.
Francis cherished the beach house in Silver Beach, Lavallette, NJ, a place filled with years of treasured memories. Just before retiring, Francis and his wife Maria moved to the beach house and embraced life by the shore. In 2014, he retired from Hatzel and Buehler (formerly Molnar Electric) where he worked as a purchasing agent for 40 years. After retirement, he could often be found taking walks down to the water. Sharing the beauty and joy of the beach with his grandchildren brought him special happiness, creating moments that will be fondly remembered by all.
Francis is survived by his wife, Maria; two sons, Thomas (Emily) Chiarella of King of Prussia, PA and Rosario Chiarella of North Hanover, NJ; three grandchildren, Alice, Francesca, and Benjamin Chiarella; sister, Kathleen Chiarella (Carl Boenig) of Port Murray, NJ; brother, Robert Chiarella of Hallstead, PA; sister-in-law Caterina Cavallo of Tucson, AZ and sister-in-law Carla Cavallo of Arlington, TX.
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Tommaso and Mary Chiarella, sister-in-law Catherine Rose Fischer Chiarella, brother-in-law Frank Cavallo, brother-in-law Peter Cavallo, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mario and Anastasia Grano.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the visitation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home 2482 Church Road Toms River, NJ. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10 am at St Pio of Pietrelcina Church 103 Washington Avenue, Lavallette, NJ with Fr. Joseph Hlubik as Celebrant.
Following the mass, burial with military honors will be at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery 350 Province Line Road Wrightstown, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Francis's name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org Or your favorite charity.