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Obituary of Graydon Chiarella
It is with profound sadness in our hearts that the family of Graydon Chiarella announces his passing at 90 years old, while residing at Embassy Hall nursing home in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Dad, the middle son of Paul and Betty Chiarella, joins his beloved wife of 69 years, Margaret, who predeceased him in July 2024. He leaves behind us, his loving children, Debora (Scott), Gina (John), Paula (Shawn) and Mark (Alyona). His legacy continues through his grandchildren Angela, Nola, Kyle, Yanina, Samantha and Jay, and his great-grandchildren Devin, Darren, Jayce, Ellie and Greyson. Dad is also fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews in Montreal, and his younger brother and sister-in-law, George and Renata, in North Hatley, Quebec. Dad was predeceased by his parents, his older brother Raymond, and his sister Helen Navarra and her husband Renato—all dearly missed.
Dad grew up in St. Henri and the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) neighbourhoods of Montreal, and was an active young man; boxing, playing football, volleyball, broomball and basketball. He was a mechanic in his early working years, with his own garage in NDG by the age of 18. Later, he worked for many years in heavy construction with his family at Verochio Ltd, in Vallée Jonction, Quebec. In 1977, Dad moved into Brentwood Towers and commuted between Saint John, New Brunswick and Montreal until 1979 when he moved to Rothesay permanently with Mom and Mark. In 1981, Dad formed Que-Mar Construction (Maritimes) Ltd, with two partners, Brian Cunningham and Claude Germain (both deceased). Dad played an integral role in Saint John’s Urban Renewal Project during the 1970s and early 1980s, taking immense pride in his contributions to that pivotal era of the city’s development.
Even after retiring at 55, he continued to lend his expertise—working on contract for the Village of East Riverside-Kinghurst on snow removal and serving on the Water and Sewage, and Public Works and Infrastructure Committees of the Town of Rothesay.
Since all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, Dad and Mom also embraced adventure, traveling extensively over the ensuing 20 years.
Dad had an incredible virtue of caring for others. His infinite kindness touched so many people. Once he retired from paid work, he was as industrious as ever, dedicating countless hours serving his community—assisting seniors with household chores, providing transportation to appointments, and undertaking home improvements ranging from deck repairs to landscaping.
Dad also provided companionship to many seniors who were alone, visiting them on a regular basis, making sure they were safe and less isolated.
In addition to his work with seniors, Dad generously volunteered as a cruise ship greeter with the Port of Saint John’s “Meet and Greet Committee” for over 15 years. In recognition of his dedication, he was honored alongside others with a certificate for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Grateful cruisers from across Europe and the Americas frequently expressed their appreciation through letters, emails, gifts, and photographs, all highlighting the personal touch he provided. Dad often took passengers on personal tours of the city, sharing with them the pride he felt for his beloved adopted hometown.
In recognition of his extraordinary volunteerism, his dear friend Bill Bishop nominated him for the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in 2004, an honour bestowed upon only two New Brunswickers in its inaugural year. We are all very proud of Dad for that award.
A little-known characteristic of Dad’s was his ability to be a goofball and to make us laugh. He wasn’t all business. One silly look or funny walk and we’d be rolling! We think that side of Dad may be a well-kept secret.
After many years in their home on Rothesay Road, Dad and Mom moved to Chapel Hill, where they formed many lasting friendships. They downsized to Jubilee Hall in Quispamsis in 2020.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated healthcare, housekeeping and foodservice staff at Embassy Hall for the compassionate care provided to Dad.
In the spirit of Dad’s lifelong commitment to helping others, we would request that in lieu of flowers or donations, those wishing to honour his memory consider lending a helping hand to someone in need or paying it forward in their community. He would love that!
In accordance with Dad’s wishes, family and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, February 22, 2025, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, NB (506-849-2119). A Family Celebration of Life will be held later in the year in Montreal. Dad and Mom will be interred together in the family plot in Montreal’s Notre-Dame-de-Neiges Cemetery.
You made it to Never Never Land, Daddy.
1934 2025
Death notice for the town of: Kennebecasis-Valley, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
death notice Graydon
Chiarella 1934 2025
obituaries notice Graydon
Chiarella 1934 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Graydon
Chiarella 1934 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.