Pete M. Chiara

Pete Marion Chiara age 79 went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, the 8th of December 2014. Pete attended St. Thomas High School, the University of Houston and served in the Air Force Reserve. He worked at Oshman’s Sporting Goods for 27 years and had a successful business in Real Estate.

He was active in many charitable and social organizations including: Sacred Heart Society, The Italian American Federation, where he served as Treasurer, and The 20 Club as President, and many other positions. He was a devoted member of St. Michael Catholic Church.

He had a passion for bowling and bowled 2 perfect 300 games. He loved to play cards with his buddies in the 20 Club. He loved to travel all around the world and especially to casinos to play the slots. After retirement, he became a great cook and was known for his meatballs and pasta sauce.

His motto of “More is better” was evident by his trips to the grocery store and his enormous love for his family, especially his grandchildren. “Paw Paw” was always ready to take them to any fast food restaurant or Astros game.

Preceded in death by his daughter Rosanne, parents Matteo and Josephine (Campise) Chiara , in-laws Nat and Rose (Zarzana) Benestante. Survived by the love of his life of 56 years Camella (Benestante) Chiara. His children Matthew Chiara and wife Robbi, Joanne Chiara Peden and husband Kent, Nathan Chiara and wife Leigh, Gina Chiara Raia and husband Russell. Grandchildren Chris Chiara and wife Michelle, Steven Chiara, Vincent Chiara and wife Amelia, Justin and Alyssa Peden, Kathryn and Kristin Chiara, Joshua, Michaela, Madalyn and Nathan Raia.

His family would like to thank Robert Omwoma, his care giver for over three years, Dr James Willerson, and all nurses and doctors of 6 S 1 of St Luke’s Hospital for their loving and tender care during his stay, especially his attending nurses Katherine and Alyssa.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o’clock this afternoon until eight o’clock this evening, Friday the 12th of December in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, with the vigil service followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary to commence at seven o’clock.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at half-past one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 13th of December in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, with Rev. Msgr. Frank H. Rossi, celebrating and Rev. Fr. Dan Warden, concelebrating and Deacon Louis Provenzano, assisting.

The Rite of Committal will follow via an escorted cortege at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his 6 grandsons, and honorary pallbearers are: Sam Caliva, Leon Campise, Jerome D’Anna, Dr. Frank Gusemano, Robert Hawthorne, Sr., Phillip Montalbano, Roy Palermo, Joseph Schiro, Sam Sicola, John Rinando and John Storenski.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Pete’s memory may be directed to Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep, 5930 Royal Lane, Ste. E224, Dallas, TX. , 75230; or the charity of one’s choice.