(This article is being reprinted due to information from last year's reunion being printed. The News-Item apologizes for the error.)
SHAMOKIN - The annual Chiavaroli family reunion was held July 30 at the Original Italian Pizza restaurant banquet hall, which was appropriately decorated in red, white and green. The Italian flag displayed was donated by Michael Chiavaroli, of Philadelphia, who obtained it when he was serving in the military in Italy.
The program began with welcome remarks by Bob Koshinskie, of Cranford, N.J. He noted some family members present have attended every reunion since its inception and introduced those appearing for the first time. He thanked members who brought their homemade Italian cookies and desserts.
Congratulations were extended to all couples who are married 50 years or more. They included Mary and Thomas Chiavaroli, Frank and Cass Chiavaroli, of Philadelphia, Jim and Marylou Chiavaroli, Pay and Annella Chiavaroli, of Shamokin, Louise and Brient Wiest, of Trevorton, and Carol and Gerry O'Donnell, of Harrisburg.
He then acknowledged the oldest family member present, Arthur Chiavaroli, 89. The youngest member present was from New Jersey, Judea Robert, 10 months old. The parents are Damien and Sarah, and grandparents are Elayne and Robert Chiavaroli. The family that traveled the farthest distance were Bud Woll, his wife Cindy, and daughter Erin, who came from California. He then read messages and greetings from family members who could not attend.
The introduction to the Elite Eighty Club was presented by Dan Chiavaroli, of Nazareth. He announced the names of current members who are 80 years old and older.
This was followed by the reading of the honor roll by Gayle Chiavaroli, of Nazareth. This includes names of all members of the Chiavaroli family who have served in the military, from World War I to the present day, with Major Scott Sturdevant, who is serving in Morocco. He is married to Michelle Heiser, daughter of Ron and Dolores Heiser, of Lancaster.
A message of sympathy was extended to families who lost a member during the past year: Annie Chiavaroli, wife of Joe from New Jersey; Hogan (Anthony) Chiavaroli, of Shamokin, and Bob Fallon, husband of Carmella Chiavaroli, of Florida. A memorial Mass was held for Fallon Aug. 27 at Mother Cabrini Church, Shamokin.
Genealogy charts of all the Chiavaroli families were displayed by Mike and Ginny Koshinskie of Philadelphia, along with many photos.
Following a traditional Italian dinner, there was a sing-a-long of both Italian and American songs. Music was provided by Joe Koshinskie, of Mechanicsburg, and Bobby Chiavaroli, of Somerset, N.J.
All present were reminded that the next reunion date is the last Saturday in July 2012. The family history goes back many years ago when two Chiavaroli brothers and two sisters from Loreto, Aprutino in Abruzzi, Italy, came through Ellis Island and settled in Shamokin. Many of their descendants still live in Shamokin.
The reunion is coordinated by by Ann Chiavaroli Koshinskie, of Coal Township.