Father Anthony J. Chiaramonte, 84

Father Anthony J. Chiaramonte, 84, died suddenly at his home on Oct. 16.

He was born on Jan. 20, 1938, in Albany to Joseph and Elizabeth Chiaramonte. He was a graduate of Mater Christi Seminary and studied theology at St. Mary’s Seminary, Roland Park, in Baltimore. He was ordained by Bishop William Scully on May 29, 1965. Father Chiaramonte, known as Father Tony to his friends and parishioners, served as associate pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta and, in 1970, he became campus minister at SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick Colleges. Later, he pursued graduate studies in psychology and counseling at Boston College and was awarded a Ph.D. in 1983. He served as a psychologist at the Diocesan Consultation Center in 1992 and became its director before retiring in 2008. Since then, he has served as sacramental minister at Christ Our Light Church in Loudonville.

Father Chiaramonte is survived by his brothers, Joseph (Maureen), and John (Linda); his beloved nieces and nephews, Jessica, John Chiaramonte, and Julie Sprinkle (Chad); as well as his grandniece, Lucy Sprinkle and grandnephew, Henry Sprinkle.

One of Father Chiaramonte’s most cherished affiliations was his membership at Colonie Golf and Country Club, where he had a hole in one, which was a frequent topic of conversation whenever he could find a willing or captive audience. His golfing friends gave him the unfortunate, but well-deserved, nickname of the “Hoodlum Priest.”

Father Chiaramonte’s humility was only matched by his great sense of humor and quick wit. His wisdom, insight and guidance were coveted by those close to him. His family takes solace in knowing he has left a lasting impact on all of the lives he touched with his love and kindness. One person in particular that Father Chiaramonte had a special friendship with was Barbara LoGuidice, 9, who struggled through a losing battle with AIDS in her far too short life.

Father Chiaramonte’s concelebrated funeral Mass was offered on Oct. 22 at Christ Our Light Church. The Rite of Committal immediately followed at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. Donations can be made in Father Chiaramonte’s name to The Consultation Center of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, 790 Lancaster St., Albany, N.Y., 12203 or Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville, NY, 12211.