Obituary of Joseph I Chiavarone

Joseph I Chiavarone, 50, of Hamilton, entered in God’s care Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Capital Health System, Helene Fuld Campus in Trenton. Born in Trenton, he was a lifelong area resident. Joey, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was an inspiration to all who had the good fortune to know him. Despite a lifelong battle with cerebral palsy, Joey always greeted friends with a big smile and warm “how are ya?” As a young boy, Joey grew up in the Chambersburg section of Trenton, where he could often be found on Sunday mornings visiting his godfather, Eddie Baldassari, at his restaurant, Eddie’s Deluxe Hot Donuts. The neighborhood, with the organizing efforts of Baldassari, often rallied around Joey to help raise funds for much needed operations. Later, Joey was one of the first attendees of the NJ Special School District, which was founded in part by the efforts of his parents. As a teenager, Joey found great joy in the sport of baseball. He was a founding participant in Nottingham Little League’s Challenger Division, where he could often be seen with two tires in the air as he stole second base. In later years, Joey was a fixture on the sidelines of baseball fields throughout the state, first cheering on his brother, and later his niece and nephews. Above all else, Joey loved his family. He found his greatest happiness when he was surrounded by his loved ones. Joey received lifelong loving care from his parents, Pa and Maria, who made Joey the center of their lives. Joey also had an especially close relationship with his Me-Mom, Mary Chiavarone. Throughout his life, Joey and his brother Steve, whom he called Buddy, were the very best of friends, sharing a love of music, baseball and family. In later years, Joey relished his role as an uncle, often hosting music- and laughter-filled babysitting sessions. Joey was and will remain the very center of his family. Predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary (D’Angelo) Chiavarone, maternal grandparents, Angelo and Guiseppina Marino, aunts and uncles, Leo & Jan Chiavarone, Michael Chiavarone, Theresa Cohoon, Al Del Aversano, Italia Marino, Joann and Joseph Scarlata, Gina and Salvatore Messina, he is survived by his loving parents, Joseph and Maria (Marino) Chiavarone; his brothers, Steve Chiavarone along with his wife Katie and their children, Mack, Ava and Nolan as well as Joseph Mazzola along with his wife Michelle and their children Gavin and Domenic; aunts and uncles, Carmella Del Aversano, Charles Marino, Michelina Cala and Filomena Vasta and husband Charles; godfather Eddie Baldassari and wife Chris, also survived by other relatives, cousins and friends. Calling hours will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 from 9:00 am to 10:15 am at Our Lady of the Angels Parish-St. Joachim's Church, 20-56 Butler Street, Trenton, NJ 08611, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. There will be no calling hours at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 1200 Cedar Lane, Hamilton, NJ 08610. Please visit Joey’s tribute page at www.derricofuneralhome.com Please omit flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Miracle League of Mercer County, 1337 State Highway 33, Hamilton, NJ 08690 or online at www.miracleleaguemercer.org