Henry Chiera Jr., 76
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Henry "Joe" Chiera Jr., 76, of VanDeusenville Road, Housatonic, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
Born in Sharon, Conn., on Dec. 16, 1932, son of Henry and Olive McMillen Chiera, he attended local schools and the University of Connecticut.
A Navy veteran, he served during the Korean War, enlisting on March 4, 1952. He served on the USS William M. Wood (DDR 715) and the USS Williamsburg, a presidential yacht serving President Truman. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Medal. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 10, 1956.
Mr. Chiera was employed at the former General Electric in Pittsfield as an electronics tester.
He was a member of camera clubs in both Pittsfield and Great Barrington, of the Toastmaster's and of the Senior Bowling League in Great Barrington. He enjoyed fishing in North Carolina. He cherished his family, said, family, and was a wonderful husband and father and had a smile that radiated.
He and his wife, the former Phyllis Carr, were married on Oct. 30, 1959, in Hillsdale, N.Y.
Besides his wife, he leaves his son, Daniel Chiera and his partner, Randy Royal, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; two daughters, Jennifer Fleming and her husband, Daniel, of Winston-Salem and Stephanie Chiera of Housatonic; brother, Edward Chiera and his wife, Pam, of Oakland, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Barbara Chamberlin of Great Barrington, and several nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Family and friends are invited to a memorial service celebrating the life of Mr. Chiera on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Christian Chapel, 195 North Plain Road, Great Barrington. A reception will be held immediately following the service.
There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the John Watson Christmas Fund or the MSPCA through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230, which is in charge of arrangements. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.