Joseph L. Chiari

Retired Elizabeth Police Captain, Joseph L. Chiari, passed away on Friday January 19th in Summit, NJ surrounded by his family.                                                                            

Joe was born in Wappingers Falls, New York to Joseph and Leona Chiari. He graduated from Pennsylvania Military College in 1970 with a B.A. in English. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Army, became an Airborne Ranger, served in Korea and was Honorably Discharged in 1973 with an earned rank of First Lieutenant with the 83rd Ordinance Battalion. During his military service, he received the National Defense Medal, Parachute Badge, Ranger Tab, American Forces Expeditionary Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

He joined the Elizabeth Police Department in 1973 following his discharge from the Army. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to Seargent in 1984, Lieutenant in 1989 and Captain in 1992...the position he held upon his retirement in 2004.

Dedicating his life to service, he took pride in his family, his country, his parish of Saint Genevieve Church and his career with the Elizabeth Police Department.

Joe was married to the love of his life, Carol. They enjoyed many vacations together, parties with friends and giving back to the community. Joe was very involved at St. Genevieve Church in which he was a devoted parishioner, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #253 and was an active member of the UNICO Elizabeth chapter. In retirement, Joe enjoyed regular Sunday dinners with his children and grandchildren, watching the Boston Red Sox with a cigar or two, making wine with his neighborhood friends and frequenting the local restaurants.

Joe is survived by his son, Jason Chiari and his wife, Jenna, his son Ryan Chiari, and his wife, Jennifer and three grandsons, Joshua, Jeremy and Dominic.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or to Saint Genevieve Roman Catholic Church at 200 Monmouth Road Elizabeth, NJ in his name. 

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