SGM (Ret) Frederick Angelo Chiti

Fred was born September 11, 1932, in Virden, IL, the son of Ativo and Irma (Tinor) Chiti. He was raised in Auburn, IL, and married Patricia Jane Schewe of Riverton, IL, on August 11, 1956, in Springfield, IL.

Fred graduated from Auburn High School, where he excelled in many sports, and afterward attended Illinois State University, where he played baseball. In his senior year at Illinois State, he was drafted into the military for the Korean War. He served his term in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1955. In 1963 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and made the military his career. He served his country for 27 years across the world, including two 18-month tours in Vietnam. He became the U.S. Army’s Senior Court Reporter, and was the first Army court reporter to attain the rank of Sergeant Major. He trained as a paralegal and served as a legal clerk as well.

The U.S. Army conferred upon SGM Chiti some of its most distinguished commendations, including the Purple Heart, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. Fred retired in 1987, and worked in realty and military contracting. He spent his final years playing golf, avidly following the Duke Blue Devil basketball team, and enjoying his family.

Fred is survived by his wife Patricia; daughter Marybeth Chiti of Durham, NC; daughter Melissa Chiti, son-in-law Rodrigo Dorfman, and granddaughters Isabella and Catalina of Durham, NC; daughter Jo Chiti and son-in-law Timothy Graf of San Francisco, CA; son Michael Chiti, daughter-in-law Monica Chiti, and grandchildren Rigoberto, Zanfredo and Amelianna of Cedar Park, TX; son James Chiti, daughter-in-law Cristina Chiti, and grandchildren Alexandra, Zachary and Antonio of Harker Heights, TX; and his brother Doctor Robert Chiti and sister-in-law Betty Chiti of Staunton, IL, and their children Kelley and Bobby.

He is predeceased by his mother and father and his eldest son, Fred A Chiti.

The Chiti family will receive guests for a time of visitation on Monday, March 2, 2015 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 AM in the chapel of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen on Monday, March 2, 2015. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.