IN MEMORIAM: Anthony Chicorelli, 93;

Oneonta Native, World War II Veteran

ONEONTA – Anthony Chicorelli, 93, a Navy veteran of World War II who retired from Allied Corp., died Thursday, March 30, 2017, from natural causes.

He was born June 25, 1923, son of Eugenio and Alessandra (Pallottolo) Ciccarelli. Affectionately known as Tony to friends and family, he married Frances Louise Beach in 1942. Frances left this world too soon, on May 20, 1993, 69 years young.

Tony grew up on Anne Street, one of six children, whose parents taught them to make wine from grapes, grow tomatoes from the vine, and drink vinegar from the cupboard. He was a member of the Greatest Generation, one of many who answered the call and served in the  Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. But like so many of his generation, he never talked about it. “It’s in the past,” he would say. He was honorably discharged after the war.

Tony had several careers after the war: owner of a local bar, Time Out; worker at the D&H Railroad, where he almost lost his leg in an accident, and at Allied Corp., where he retired in 1985 after 23 years of loyal service.

Tony returned home after the war and raised three children with Frances, who had a personality that only could be rivaled by his. Tony built their family house in the Town of Maryland, where he lived from 1963 until his passing. Tony and Frances owned and raced a horse or two and would often take their grandkids out to see them. Their grandchildren – James, Jeffrey, Christopher, Michael, Anne Marie, Mary Frances and Katherine Frances – adored their grandparents.

Tony was well-liked, with an epic personality and wit to boot. He had an unforgettable laugh and a smile that was as charming as it was wide. As he grew older, he developed a simple, five note hum that one could hear as Tony strolled around the house.

Tony is survived by three children: Danny of Severn, Md., and Dennis and Karen in the Town of Maryland; three siblings, John Chicorelli, Mary (Chicorelli) Leogrande and Rafaela Chicorelli, all of Oneonta; seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tony was predeceased by his two brothers, Alexander Chicorelli and Joseph Chicorelli, both of Oneonta.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday April 11, at St. Mary’s Church, Oneonta, with Rev. David Mickiewicz, pastor, officiating.

Calling hours at 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 10, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Burial with military honors will take place in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.