Gerald Anthony 'Jerry' 'Chite' Chiodo, 941 Division St., Farrell, PA, passed away at 9:10 p.m. Friday (2-20-09) in the intensive care unit of UPMC Hospital, Farrell, following a brief illness. He was 65.
Jerry was born Jan. 18, 1943 in Sharon, PA a son of the late Charles Chiodo, Sr. and Andreana Cipriano Chiodo.
He was raised in Farrell and was a 1961 graduate of Farrell High School.
A well known area vocalist, Jerry was a professional singer with a number of different bands throughout the Shenango Valley and Mahoning (Ohio) County. He sang many different songs, however, was best known for his performances of Frank Sinatra, Motown and songs from the big band era.
Jerry was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, where he was a member of the choir. He loved the people he sang with in the church choir and will be remembered for his beautiful rendition of the Ave Maria at funerals.
Jerry was a member of the American Legion, Post # 299, Sharon; the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post # 5286; and the Italian Home, both Farrell. He was an avid bocce player and participated in league play with JJ's Litehouse, Italian Home and Farrell American Legion teams. He enjoyed sports and was a fan of the Cleveland Browns; the Cleveland Indians; and his alma mater, Farrell High School.
Jerry had a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor. He was a loyal friend and, as such, had many. Jerry was proud of his Italian heritage and carried on many of its traditions. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him, particularly his family.
Surviving are: a son, Peter J. Chiodo and his wife Lori, and their daughter, and Jerry's only grandchild, whom he adored, Andriana, who was named after her great grandmother, all Meadville, PA; a sister, Sandra Rosati and her husband Louis J. Rosati, with whom he made his home for many years in Farrell; his former wife and good friend, Kathleen S. Donaldson and her husband Del, Sharon; two former sisters-in-law, Tina Liguori and her husband James, Hermitage; and Colleen Astey and her husband Bob, Sharon; a former brother-in-law, Packie O'Leary and his wife Susie, Sharpsville, PA; three nieces, Karen Rosati, Jennifer Kollar and her husband Jeff and McKenzie Astey; two nephews, Chuck Rosati and his wife Bonnie; and Caleb Astey; great nieces and nephews, Andrew, Anthony and Anna Rosati; and Breah Quatkemeyer; and his Godson, Antonio Thomas.
Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a son, Gerald Anthony 'Tony' Chiodo, Jr., and two brothers, Charles Chiodo, Jr. and Peter Andrew Chiodo.
Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday (2-24-09) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m. Wednesday (2-25-09) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant.
A prayer service will be held at 12:15 p.m. in the funeral home prior to leaving for the church.
Interment: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Hermitage.