Obituary of Richard Salvatore Chiaramonte

Richard S. Chiaramonte

Richard Salvatore Chiaramonte, age 86, passed away peacefully in St. Barnabas Hospital on October 29, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louise & Michael Chiaramonte, his in-laws, Catherine and Joseph Catalano, his brother Michael and sister-in-law JoAnne. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Annette Catalano Chiaramonte. He is also survived by his daughters Patricia Merwin, husband Brendan, Karen Mendoza, husband Jonathan and his son Richard, fiancée Karina Chaddad. He also leaves five beloved grandchildren, Anthony Moretti III, Bryce Merwin, Cameron Merwin, Jessica Chiaramonte and Joseph Chiaramonte. Richard leaves behind his special and loved Aunt Dolly, his niece Christine Noble, husband Daniel, their son Alex, his nephew Michael Chiaramonte, his daughter-in-law Donna Panciello, his son-in-law Anthony Moretti and numerous cousins and friends and to all he acted as their “adopted grandfather.”

Richard was born in Newark, married the love of his life Annette on June 9, 1962. They settled in West Orange and raised their three adored children. Richard loved cruising, traveling, camping and most of all spending time with his five grandchildren – Gramps never knew how to say “No” to them for anything and they all loved him so very much -they will truly miss their Grandpa/Pop Pop.

Richard worked at the A&P, Stanziales Meat Market and lastly for the West Orange Board of Education for 30 plus years as head custodian in Mountain High and St. Cloud Schools.

Richard loved playing softball with the Naturale’s Senior Team, bowling with the Swinging Seniors Bowlers, and playing horseshoes with the West Essex Horseshoe Pitchers Club.  In 2010, he received the Old Timers Award from the West Orange Recreation Department and was a dedicated and active member of the West Orange Knights of Columbus Council #5519, serving as Grand Knight as well as many other positions.  He also was active in the Archbishop Bailey 4^th Degree Color Guard. Richard served as an usher at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for many years, was a member of their Holy Name Society and of the Pleasantdale Seniors.

Richard loved being Santa for Green Valley/Great Divide Campground where he found so much happiness for 30 years. Valentine’s Day was a national holiday for Richard as he waited by the phone for his birthday calls. His life was built completely around his family and he will be truly missed by everyone.

Funeral Services will be held at Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange on Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 2 - 6pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Our Lady of Lourdes Church, West Orange, NJ.