William Anthony Chioffi, Hermitage, passed away peacefully of natural causes at 9:15 p.m. Saturday (9-8-10) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 97.

He was born Oct. 1, 1914, in Sharon, a son of James S. and Philomena De Noi Chioffi.

A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Sharon High School in 1932.

He owned and operated the former William's Hardware in downtown Sharon and was a former member of the Hardware Association. He retired in 1977.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Sharon. A member of the Sons of Italy in Sharon, he loved a good game of bocce, as well as enjoying fishing and gardening.

His wife, the former Cecelia A. Rindy, whom he married Oct. 19, 1939, passed away Sept. 26, 2004.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen J. First and her husband Robert, with whom he lived; Phyllis A. Billioni and her husband Carl, San Jose, Calif.; and Brenda White-Barone and her husband James, Hermitage; his grandson, Anthony Robert First and his wife Tonia; and two great grandsons, Trevor and Trenton First, all Canfield, Ohio; a sister, Connie Isco, Brookfield; two brothers-in-law, Ray Rindy and his wife Helen, Sharon; and Eugene Rindy and his wife Patricia, Masury; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Ferrara, Hermitage; and Eleanor Purdy, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Lee White, Ellen Galacia and Concetta Ianelli; and one brother, James Chioffi.

Memorial contributionsMemorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Calling hours: 9:30 a.m. to time of service Tuesday (9-11-12) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Condolences can be sent by visiting the website www.McGonigleFuneralHomeand- Crematory.com

Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. John S. Lynch, retired priest, officiating.