Thomas “Tom” Joseph Chiaramonte, of Newtown, passed away peacefully on August 3. Tom is the beloved husband of Virginia “Ginny” Chiaramonte (married 63 years) and dad to son, James Chiaramonte; daughter, Virginia, and her husband, Tom Hessler; and daughter, Patty, and her husband, Bob Cowan. Tom was the most amazing Poppop to Vincent, Kaylin, Lauren, Andrew, Rob, Meredith, Jordan, and Payton.

Tom believed family was first. He was the eldest of eight brothers and sisters that he cared for deeply. He was also an amazing brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and nephew. There wasn’t a reunion or ceremony that Tom would miss and he would keep in touch with everyone via mail, e-mail, or phone. He never quite mastered the cell phone, but he was pretty good at Zoom.

Tom taught his children and grandchildren the value of a good joke. Sometimes a missing Bananagrams tile would miraculously show up, or food that would disappear from a plate would miraculously reappear, or “did you ever hear the one about…?” He and his friends would often share jokes over a meal and some Chianti at the Italian and Irish Clubs in Ridgefield and Danbury.

Tom and his wife, Ginny, spent many summers in North Salem at the Pehquenakonck Country Club and made so many lifelong friends. There was bingo at the pavilion, countless rounds of golf, and all-around good fun.

Tom was an accomplished mechanical engineer who loved to work. He earned Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degrees, traveled to Italy to pursue additional education, and earned a master’s degree from New York University. He was fueled by work, held many patents, and contributed to his trade well into his 70s. Tom also served in the ROTC and was Lt 2nd class.

Tom was an active member of the Newtown community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and could be found most Fridays during Lent serving Fish Fry at St Rose Church. He volunteered countless hours to upgrading homes for the elderly, worked the Newtown carnival for fundraising, and was a committed parishioner. He loved getting his black coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts, and spending hours at the Cyrenius Booth library. He especially enjoyed the library book sales and finding that special $1 value book.

He enjoyed carpentry. He had plans to restore and build furniture and, for his daughter’s church in Sherman, he crafted a new cross above the baptismal. He also designed and built sets for community theater in Newtown and Darien.

His presence and contributions to his family and community will be sorely missed. We loved Tom and know that he is continuing his eternal party in heaven. Tom’s family is holding a private mass and will hold a celebration of his life in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s name to the Cyrenius Booth Library

All family services will be private. There will be a formal celebration of his life at a later date.

The Honan Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.