Anthony J. (Tony) Chirico, Sr. of Cinnaminson, NJ-loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather-passed away on April 28 after a long illness.

He was the first born of Frank and Aurelia Chirico, who were first generation Italian Americans. While living in South Philadelphia, Tony attended St. Rita's Catholic Grade School and Southeast Catholic High School, where he was an excellent student.

While walking down Passyunk Avenue at Christmas time, Tony met Vera, the love of his life. He proceeded to help her to carry her tree. It wasn't love at first sight, but somehow it all worked out, and eventually they were married three years later while Tony was in the U.S. Coast Guard. He served our country for 4 years during the Korean Conflict. While in the Coast Guard, he almost learned how to swim! He was stationed on an island off New Hampshire where they had to rush up several flights of stairs to relight the gas beacon if it blew out on the lighthouse.

Tony and Vera started their family at this time, and eventually became the parents of 4 boys and 2 girls. Upon leaving the service, he started evening classes at Temple University while working at his full-time job, leading to his becoming a designer at Aluminum Shapes of Delair, NJ. He designed the first above-ground Esther Williams swimming pool, along with many other products.

Tony retired in 1997, but he never really stopped working. He did many chores and repairs in and around the house. He and Vera had the opportunity to travel to many wonderful places. Tony was truly a good person who always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He loved everyone and everyone loved him.

In addition to his loving wife Vera, Tony is survived by his 6 children: sons Tony Jr. (Sharon) of Berwyn, PA; Gregg (Nancy) of Westampton, NJ; Robert of Providence Village, TX; Michael (Jen) of Cherry Hill, NJ; daughters Maryann (Mark) Myers of Cherry Hill, NJ; and Linda (Kelly) Brennan of Westmont, NJ; grandchildren Mark, Christopher, Michael, Taylor Ann, Mark, Ryan, Isabella and Nicholas; and great grandson Luca with another great grandson on the way.

A visitation for Tony will be held on Friday, May 5 ^th from 9:30am to 10:45am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, all at Sacred Heart Church, 4 ^th & Linden Ave., Riverton, NJ 08077. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation or Samaritan Life Enhancing Care.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.weberfuneralhomeinc.com