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Peter Chiarelli Obituary
Peter Chiarelli, 88, a retired Reading jeweler and watchmaker, died peacefully on Monday, Nov. 22, 2010, at the Reading Hospital, where he had been a patient since Friday, Nov. 19, 2010. He was a resident of Columbia Cottage, Wyomissing, since November 2009.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Doris E. (Simmons) Chiarelli, on April 23, 2006.
Born in Castrofilippo, Sicily, on May 25, 1922, Peter was a son of the late Antonio and Anna (Serravillo) Chiarelli, who immigrated to the United States in 1923.
He was a graduate of Reading High School and the Bowman Technical Institute, Lancaster.
Peter proudly served our nation during World War II in the Army 990th Ordnance Company in the Yukon Territory, Canada, and participated in the invasion of Okinawa.
Peter and his wife, Doris, owned and operated their city jewelry store and watchmaking business on North Fourth Street from 1951 until retiring in 1990.
He was a member and past president of the Reading Jewelers Guild; a 62-year member of American Legion Gregg Post 12; and a member of the Reading Jaycees.
He was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, Reading.
He is survived by his sons, Peter A., husband of Billie Jo (Long) Chiarelli, Cumru Township; and Joseph F., husband of Stephanie (Speck) Chiarelli, Wyomissing; his granddaughter, Alexandria Chiarelli; and stepgranddaughter, Elizabeth Harner.
He is also survived by two sisters, Angela, wife of Franz VonArx, Shillington; and Mary, wife of the late Grant Mahon Jr., Wyomissing.
He was also predeceased by his brother, Samuel, in 2007.
Other survivors include his sisters-in-law, Frances Simmons, Reading; and Dorothy (Spencer), wife of the late William Simmons, Shillington; and 12 nephews and nieces.
Relatives and friends may extend their sympathy and respects to the Chiarelli Family at the Kopicki-Bradley Funeral Home Inc., 239 S. Ninth St., Reading, PA 19602, on Monday, Nov. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 30, from 8 to 9 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Rosary RC Church on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Entombment will be at Gethsemane Chapel Mausoleum, Laureldale.
It is suggested that contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Chiarelli to Holy Rosary RC Church, 237 Franklin St., Reading, PA 19602, or to the American Legion, Gregg Post 12, care of the Kopicki-Bradley Funeral Home at the above indicated address.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Chiarelli
Greg Lang
December 22, 2010
Pete, please accept my condolences. Very sorry for your loss. From an old friend...
Larry & Elaine Schneck
November 29, 2010
Peter and Joey our condolences on your loss. The old neighborhood misses your family.
Gretchen, Sam, Andrew & Julia Martin
November 27, 2010
Joe, Steph and Alex-
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We pray that fond memories comfort you during this difficult time.
David Zieber
November 27, 2010
I purchased both my high school class ring (in 1975) and my first wife's engagement ring (in 1976) from Mr. Chiarelli,. He was always friendly, outgoing, and ran a quality business. I'm sure he will be missed a great deal.
Falco DiBiase
November 27, 2010
Peter and Joey have heard me say this a thousand times but it’s worth repeating on this occasion. One of my fondest childhood memories is of me sitting in the back of Mr. Chiarelli's Bonneville on the way home from an evening swim at Ken Grill pool, begging for a slushy from Turkey Hill and listening to Harry Kalas call the Phillies game on the radio. It really doesn’t get any better than that. Thank you Mr. Chiarelli.
James DeBlasse
November 25, 2010
My dad was great friends with peter and his wife, he bought all his jewelry from him and so did the rest of are family and all are friends. Peter was a very kind person and he will be missed.
Kevin Fura
November 24, 2010
My father served with Mr. Chiarelli in the 990th during WWII. He often spoke very fondly of him. My family extends our sympathies to yours.
Michael VanBuskirk
November 24, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Kim, Vito's great-grandaughter
November 24, 2010
My husband purchased my engagement ring at Chiarelli Jewelers, and my great-grandfather Vito Zelano knew the family since their arrival in the U.S. I will always value my ring, Mr. Chiarelli's "secret" about the ring that he kept with my husband, and Mr. Chiarelli's kindness. My condolences to the Chiarelli family, you are in my prayers.
john maslar
November 24, 2010
enjoyed many wonderful conversations in the pool at gull point .my prayers are with you and your family god bless
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