Anthony P Chirico

Dr. Bonaventure Peter Anthony Chirico, 92, passed away in his home in Beach Haven West, NJ on Saturday afternoon, January 16, 2021 due to various health complications. He was truly adored by everyone who met him. His jovial presence and unassuming cheer made for so many friends and happy memories.

Born to parents Bonaventure and Rose Chirico and raised in Newark, NJ, Anthony was always the most charming and illuminated man in the room. He graduated from Montclair State University in 1952. One year later on June 14, 1953, he married the love of his life, Catherine - the woman he would come to be happily married and endlessly devoted to for nearly 68 years. Anthony received his Master’s from Seton Hall University, and later graduated with a Doctorate in Education from Rutgers University in 1982. Over the years of raising their two sons, Peter and Joe, and residing in Cranford, NJ, Anthony started out as a music teacher and ultimately ascended to the role of vice principal within the Newark School System. After this, he spent the next 20 years as the Director of Special Services, starting in the Cranford school system and finishing his career with the Belleville school system. He was passionately committed to education and was a part of the movement for equity and fair access in classrooms that we see commonplace today. In addition to his legacy of knowledge, he was a patriot who served his country. He proudly served in both the NJ and NY National Guards and in the Army Reserve for 42 years, ultimately achieving the rank of full Colonel.

In his later years, Anthony and Catherine moved permanently to Beach Haven West in Manahawkin, NJ. He was a passionate and active member of the Stafford Township Italian American Club up until his final days, serving as a former president to the organization. He loved wintering in Florida with his wife and dear friends from the club. Throughout his life, Anthony was a devout Catholic. He was an active parishioner of the congregation of St. Francis in Brant Beach, NJ. He was also a world traveler, and always spoke of his journeys around the globe, bringing back trinkets and sending postcards from wherever he went.

Not only was “Pop” an educator, storyteller, and everyone’s new best friend, he was also a beloved and extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. It’s difficult to condense him and his magnanimity into words because he was so singular to the world and everyone he met. Whether you spoke to him for 10 minutes or knew him for 50 years, Pop was your pal and gave you all of his wisdom, generosity, exultation, and humor. He would often greet you singing his favorite showtunes, so easygoing and humble. The lives he bettered simply through knowing him are too great in number to count. As for his family, there was nothing that brought him more pride and joy. How fortunate his loved ones are to have had their lives enriched by such a benevolent man.

Anthony is survived by his wife, Catherine Chirico of Beach Haven West, NJ, sister Loretta Gibson of Ellicott City, MD, his sons and their wives Dr. Peter Chirico (Clare) of Huntington, WV and Joseph Chirico (Marie) of Stewartsville, NJ, his 7 grandchildren Michael, Jarrett, Christopher, John, Lila, Joseph, and Isabella, and 2 great grandchildren Poppy and Alfred. He is predeceased by his sisters AnneMarie and Sally.

Due to Covid-19 precautions, the family has decided to postpone arrangements until the Summer. A service and repast will be held at a later date, soon to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made in Anthony’s name to the Italian American Club of Stafford Township, a place he held so near to him, writing in the check memo “SCHOLARSHIP FUND.” The address for the checks is: Italian American Social and Civic Association of Stafford, PO Box 632, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

“To love, to learn, to experience” is the mantra Anthony lived his life by. Thank you for the love, we will miss you Pop.

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Anthony for the Chirico family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

The Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.