Obituary for James Michael Chirico
FISHKILL – James Michael Chirico, 93, died peacefully on July 12, 2022 at Castle Point VA Medical Center.
He was born in Crugers, NY on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1929 to the late Roger and Elsie Chirico. He attended school in the Town of Cortlandt and graduated from Hendrick Hudson High School. Jim then proudly served in the US Marine Corps for over 4 years during the Korean War up to the Chosin Reservoir and back. He was honorably discharged from the Marines as a decorated Sergeant at Lakehurst, NJ.
While in Lakehurst, NJ, he met the love of his life, Betty (Freeman) Chirico and spent the next 69 years with her. Together they raised 3 children, Michele, the oldest, and Jim and Anthony, his twins. Along with his wife, he was very proud of their children. He was a loving grandfather of 6 and an amazing great-grandfather of 7.
Jim joined IBM in 1952 and achieved executive positions in his 37 years with them. Although he was a very busy person, he took time to serve and volunteer in his community. Jim had served as President of Protection Engine Co. #1 in Fishkill and then became a charter member of the Rombout Fire Department. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1286 in Fishkill. He had previously served as President of the John Jay Activities Association at John Jay High School and was president of the Fishkill Democratic Club. He also coached for the Fishkill Little League and St. Mary’s CYO basketball program. Jim was a parishioner at St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill where he was part of the choir and served with the St. Mary’s Players. Jim was a 4th Degree member of Knights of Columbus #4065 where he had previously served as Grand Knight. He was also an avid golfer with many holes-in-one and he was a former tennis player and skier.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 14 from 3 – 8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc,. 1089 Main Street, Fishkill with a firematic service beginning at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, July 15 at 10 am at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill followed by entombment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery with military honors.
Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Rombout Fire Department, or Castle Point VAMC DAV #144.
For online tributes, please visit Jim’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.
He was born in Crugers, NY on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1929 to the late Roger and Elsie Chirico. He attended school in the Town of Cortlandt and graduated from Hendrick Hudson High School. Jim then proudly served in the US Marine Corps for over 4 years during the Korean War up to the Chosin Reservoir and back. He was honorably discharged from the Marines as a decorated Sergeant at Lakehurst, NJ.
While in Lakehurst, NJ, he met the love of his life, Betty (Freeman) Chirico and spent the next 69 years with her. Together they raised 3 children, Michele, the oldest, and Jim and Anthony, his twins. Along with his wife, he was very proud of their children. He was a loving grandfather of 6 and an amazing great-grandfather of 7.
Jim joined IBM in 1952 and achieved executive positions in his 37 years with them. Although he was a very busy person, he took time to serve and volunteer in his community. Jim had served as President of Protection Engine Co. #1 in Fishkill and then became a charter member of the Rombout Fire Department. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1286 in Fishkill. He had previously served as President of the John Jay Activities Association at John Jay High School and was president of the Fishkill Democratic Club. He also coached for the Fishkill Little League and St. Mary’s CYO basketball program. Jim was a parishioner at St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill where he was part of the choir and served with the St. Mary’s Players. Jim was a 4th Degree member of Knights of Columbus #4065 where he had previously served as Grand Knight. He was also an avid golfer with many holes-in-one and he was a former tennis player and skier.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 14 from 3 – 8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc,. 1089 Main Street, Fishkill with a firematic service beginning at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, July 15 at 10 am at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill followed by entombment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery with military honors.
Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Rombout Fire Department, or Castle Point VAMC DAV #144.
For online tributes, please visit Jim’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.