NORWALK, CONN Samuel Joseph Chiaia, 91, a life-long resident of Norwalk, passed away Sunday March 6, 2011, while surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous nine year battle with brain cancer. He was the beloved husband of sixty-two years to Ida (LaRocca) Chiaia, whom he cherished. Sam was the son of the late Joseph Chiaia and Marianina (Mangino) Chiaia. He attended St. Joseph's Parochial School and J.M. Wright Technical School, formerly Stamford Trade School where he developed his expertise as a machinist. He worked in this field until his retirement. Sam was also a master craftsman who enjoyed carpentry, masonry and auto body repair. He served honorably and proudly during World War II in the Pacific Theater. In addition to his beloved wife, Sam is survived by his three devoted and adoring daughters, Mary Beth Kelley and her husband Frederick of Shelton, Sandra Rabinek and her husband Robert of Ashburn, VA and Nancy Chiaia of Norwalk. He leaves behind his four grandchildren whom he treasured, Kaitlin Kelley, Ryan Kelley, Melissa Rabinek and Samantha Rabinek, as well as six grand dogs. Also surviving are two sisters, Catherine DeMarte of New Mexico and Lucy Vitali of Norwalk and many cherished nieces and nephews. Sam was predeceased by sisters, Mary Giordano, his twin sister Antoinette Tavella and Caroline Nuzzo. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who always put his family first and will be missed by all. Sam's family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 in Norwalk's Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 5 East Wall Street from 4:00PM - 8:00PM. His funeral will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 9:15AM from the parlor, when the funeral cortege will proceed to St. Joseph R.C. Church, 85 South Main Street, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM. The Reverend Gilbert P. D'Souza will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. John Cemetery, Norwalk. The family would like to thank Norwalk Hospital's staff on 6 East for their wonderful care and compassion. They would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Andrea Peterson, Dr. Mark Kulaga and Dr. James Thompson for their medical expertise. Memorial Contributions may be made to: The Nora Brignolo Neuro Oncology Research Fund C/A Dr. Joseph Piepmeier; Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, 333 Cedar Street, PMP-410, New Haven, CT. 06520-8082 or to St. Joseph R.C. Church. You may leave a condolence by utilizing the "GUESTBOOK" feature on this page. *FLOWERS MAY BE ORDERED BY CALLING BRAACH'S FLOWER SHOP DIRECTLY AT 203.866.5963 * HOYT-COGNETTA is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
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