Joseph I. Chilli

Joe was born in North Attleboro, Mass., and worked in his family’s Rome Restaurant for 42 years. He was a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music. In World War II, Joe served our country in the 88th Troop Carrier Squadron, 438th Troop Carrier Group, APO133, U. S. Army. He was awarded Bronze Star Medals for his service in the Campaigns of Rome-Arno, Normandy, Northern France, Southern France, and Germany.

In 1968, Joe moved to Cape Cod with his wife, Jeannette. Together they ran the Brentwood Motel in South Yarmouth, MA, for 11 years. Joe founded the Yarmouth Motel Association and was a past President and charter member of the Dennis-Yarmouth Kiwanis Club. For several years, Joe played his accordion for grateful residents at area nursing homes through Kiwanis sponsored Christmas programs.

The Chillis moved to Hyannis, where they bought the “Galleria”, a multi-use building comprised of retail space and apartments on Main Street. Joe was Chairman of the Town’s Economic and Community Development Commission, active member of the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce, 40-year member and awarded “Man of the Year” of The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, an elected Hyannis Fire Commissioner for 12 years, and an active member of the Barnstable Golf Committee and the Hyannis Yacht Club.

Joe was predeceased by his sister, Marie Chilli Bankert. He is survived by his wife Jeannette, sister Sylvia Chilli of Palm Beach, FL; daughter Brenda Chilli Loiselle and husband Glenn, daughter Dr. Sheila Chilli Raimondo and husband Thomas, Grandchildren Robert Loiselle and wife Alison, Anne Marie Loiselle, Theresa Raimondo, and Emelia Raimondo, Nephew Stephen Bankert and wife Dawn, Niece/Godchild Susan Willard and husband Chris and their children: CJ, Natalie and Hannah, Niece Sharon Bankert Richards, husband Joseph and children Josh and Jessica, Great Nephew Shawn Bankert and Family, and Great Niece Sabrina McGuire and Family.

Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2015, at Doane, Beal and Ames Funeral Home, 160 Main Street, Hyannis, MA., 02601. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon, Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 230 S.Main St., Centerville, MA.