Salvatore "Sam" Chiappone died Monday, Oct. 27, 2014 after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Santa (Gullo) and Frank N. Chiappone.
Sam had been a resident of Silver Creek for most of his life, except while serving with the US Army from 1955 to 1957. For the past several months, he was a resident of St. Columban's on the Lake Retirement Home, where he was a member of the Resident Council as well as a willing participant in many social activities. He was elected "King" of the Mardi Gras celebration.
Sam was a devoted husband to the late Shirley (Totaro) Chiappone for 48 years. They were married in St. Anthony's Church, Farnham on July 4, 1952. She died in 1999. Together they had two children, Sandra Gawlak and Susan Chiappone, both of Silver Creek. There are three grandchildren, Daniel (Katie) Leven, Sarah Leven, and Samuel (Kristin) Chiappone. This year marked the birth of his first great-grandchild, Lauren Olivia Leven. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Borrello and Nancy Stafford.
Sam, with the help of his wife and partner, owned Sam's Plumbing and Heating for many years. He also worked on many area construction projects, including the NRG energy plant in Dunkirk. He was an active member of the Silver Creek Fire Department, joining in 1957. He was chief of the department twice and served in various other offices. He was also a former Fire Warden and was a member of the Chautauqua County Fire Police. Sam was proud of his service to the Town of Hanover Planning Board, to which he was appointed in 2008. He was a member of the Msgr. E.J. O'Connor Knights of Columbus in Silver Creek, and had participated in the Silver Creek Senior Citizens Club and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Social Club. Throughout the years, he volunteered for many community causes including the Habitat for Humanity, Laurel Run, Festival of Grapes and recently the Town of Hanover Veterans Memorial Project.
An avid camper for many years, he traveled with his wife and family to many states and enjoyed serving as a volunteer under the New York State Campers Assistance Program (CAPS) at Allegany State Park. With his wife he enjoyed ballroom and social dancing. He also was a collector of tools, a fan of big band style music and was known for his humorous and detailed stories. With his nephew, Anthony Borrello he liked making homemade wine.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, 160 Central Ave., Silver Creek. There will be a firemen's memorial service on Sunday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Silver Creek. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion.
Obituary from the Dunkirk Observer
