Dorothy Ann Chiaramonte

Born on May 14, 1933, in Queens, New York, Dorothy was one of three daughters born to Frank and Lillian Scuderi. Of Italian and Irish decent, Dorothy grew up in an apartment building filled with extended family. She would visit her aunts, uncles, and cousins and often sing or dance for them. Her sunny disposition and generous spirit earned her the affectionate nickname “Goodie.” She remained close to her two sisters, Marilyn and Carol, throughout her life.

Following World War II, her family relocated to the Washington, D.C. area, where her father built homes for returning veterans. Dorothy graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1951 and later attended the University of Maryland, where she studied home economics and nursing. After college, Dorothy worked as a flight attendant for Capitol Airlines and then later for a Washington DC radio station.

Her life took a romantic turn when her photograph, promoting a May Day parade, appeared in the Washington Star. Georgetown University medical student, Francis P. Chiaramonte, saw her photo, was instantly smitten, and pursued Dorothy until they were married in 1957.

Together, they settled in Camp Springs, Maryland, where Dorothy lovingly raised their six children: Francis, Claire, Cathe, Michael, Diane, and Mark. She was the heart of the home and cared selflessly for her husband and children. Her consistently kind and gentle nature provided stability and comfort to her family.

Dorothy’s faith was the foundation of her life. Her love of Jesus shaped the way she lived, parented, and served others. Her unconditional love and peaceful spirit deeply touched all who knew her.

Dorothy is survived by her five children, Francis (Jennifer), Claire (Dan), Cathe, Michael (Elizabeth), and Mark (Chelsea), and her 14 grandchildren, Colleen, Caroline, Elizabeth, Emma, Daniel, Catherine, Zachary, William, Sophia, Samuel, Garrett, Xander, Juliana, and SaraClaire, as well as her sister Carol. She was preceded in death by her husband Francis, daughter Diane, and sister Marilyn.

A viewing will be held from 4-7pm on Friday, May 2 at Gawler’s Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC. A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, May 3 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, Maryland. A luncheon reception to follow (details announced at funeral mass).

“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your master.

- Matthew 25:21