Celebrating the life of
Peter J. Chiofalo
June 08, 1922 - July 22, 2017
Peter was born on June 8,1922 in Brooklyn NY and enjoyed a full and successful life until his death on July 22, 2017. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Gilda after 56 years of marital bliss. He is survived by his children Gianna (Bert) Nelson, Rosetta (John) Schilling, Valentina and by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Raised and educated in Brooklyn, he entered the US Army during World War II. He served for over 2 years in Italy with the Occupational Forces of the Allied Military Government helping to create a Democratic government. He was fluent in Italian. It was during this time that he met and married Gilda.
Upon returning to civilian life he became involved in the Christmas lights manufacturing industry. Eventually he started his own business with manufacturing facilities in New York and Colombia, South America. His business found him traveling for materials and design individuals in Europe, Asia, South America and the United States. Once retired he and Gilda moved to Ponce Inlet, Florida. Shortly after Gilda’s death in 2000 he relocated to Savannah, Georgia. At that time, he decided to continue his work as a volunteer and considered himself “A Professional Volunteer.” He kept himself active as a docent at the Telfair Museum, a Basic Literacy tutor at the Royce Learning Center, a facilitator with the Hospice Savannah’s bereavement program, and facilitator of the Italian Conversation group at the Savannah Senior Citizens Center’s Learning Center. In 2003 he co-founded The Italian Society of Savannah. During his lifetime he had many interests. He collected art, traveled extensively through more than 50 countries, enjoyed music of all kinds, and delighted in the culinary arts.
He will be dearly remembered and missed by family and friends.
A memorial mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416 in his memory.
Hi Chiofalo Family and especially Valentina, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad was always so nice to me. What a sweet man. It was nice to see his lovely photo. He looks almost the same as I remember him. Warmest regards to you all! Stacy Leopold
- Stacy Leopold, San Rafael, CA
Peter was a great friend and neighbor. He was a gentle, sweet man beloved by many. We will miss him. Diane and Erv Houston
- Diane and Erv Houston, Cincinnati, OH
Our deepest sympathy for your loss! Rest in peace. Our prayers are with you with you at this difficult time. May God bless your families.
- Malayandy Family, Staten Island, NY
My heart and thoughts and prayers are with Peter's family. I am so grateful and thankful that I had a chance to tell Peter exactly how special he was to me. I was able to see a better version of myself because of Peter. He's been a pillar of support In my life. I was one of his students and we develop a special bond. He was from Brooklyn and I was from The Bronx.He told me that we were Learning from each other, because we shared A lot of stories about New York. I told Peter he reminds me of my grandfather. I would call him Mr. Peter, he said to me, no just call me Peter. I always told Peter that he was my guardian angel. I know for sure that he is my Guardian angel now because he's looking over me. I would always try to all the beautiful memories that we had. I love you Peter and I will miss you. June ??
- June, Savannah , Ga
We are so sorry for the loss of you dearest father our Uncle Peter.
- Avo Nakasihian& Mary Dell'Amore, Old Brookville, , Ny
It was a privilege to get to know Peter when he volunteered at Hospice Savannah's Full Circle. He was always kind and compassionate and shared so much of himself. He will be missed.
- Betsy Kammerud, Savannah, GA
Peter was a great man and always giving to everyone. My prayers are with his family. O.C.Welch III
- O C WELCH, SAVANNAH, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. We first met Peter in 2002 when we purchased our Taylor St. home. He lived five doors to the East, and was such a welcoming, hospitable neighbor. We were fellow Cathedral parishioners, but never met before becoming neighbors. Peter was a unique, interesting, and wonderful person . . . a true gentleman, and we are grateful for having known him. May God's comfort and peace sustain Peter's family and friends in the days ahead.
- Brian and Paula Palmer, Savannah, GA
So very sorry for your loss. I was honored to have co-facilitated a group with Peter at Full Circle Grief and Loss at Hospice Savannah. The world is a lesser place without Peter.
- Ralph Culberson, Midway, Ga.
I am so sorry for your loss. In your time of grief, never forget you can rely on God. Psalms 62:8 suggests,"Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us." Talking to him in prayer can give you "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding", and it will "guard your hearts and your mental powers"(Philippians 4:6,7).
- B.B, , Ga
One of my favorite patients. Every visit included a lengthy informative discussion about art, travel, education, politics, et. al. I will miss all that "chairside" education. A true intellectual gentleman. Rest In Peace.
- M. Tucker Brawner, Savannah, Ga
My condolences to the Chiofalo family. At Isaiah 25:8 Jehovah promises to do away with death forever. We look forward to this beautiful hope that Jehovah God promises in the near future. One day soon we will not have to face nor fear our enemy death anymore. For more information and encouragement that has helped me through difficult times such as this is jw. org that offers hope and comfort for the future.
- Niecy, Savannah, GA
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Hopefully you will find some comfort in God's word at John 5:28,29 where it says "Do not be amazed, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice and come out".
- D K, savannah, ga
My sincerest condolences go out to your family, it's never easy losing someone in death. May you take comfort in God's promise found at Revelation 21:4, which says "he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” This verse brought me peace when I experienced loss, I hope it can do the same for you. May the memories you have give you strength during this difficult time.
- Mckenzie , Pooler, GA
Hi Chiofalo Family and especially Valentina, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad was always so nice to me. What a sweet man. It was nice to see his lovely photo. He looks almost the same as I remember him. Warmest regards to you all! Stacy Leopold
- Stacy Leopold, San Rafael, CA
Peter was a great friend and neighbor. He was a gentle, sweet man beloved by many. We will miss him. Diane and Erv Houston
- Diane and Erv Houston, Cincinnati, OH
Our deepest sympathy for your loss! Rest in peace. Our prayers are with you with you at this difficult time. May God bless your families.
- Malayandy Family, Staten Island, NY
My heart and thoughts and prayers are with Peter's family. I am so grateful and thankful that I had a chance to tell Peter exactly how special he was to me. I was able to see a better version of myself because of Peter. He's been a pillar of support In my life. I was one of his students and we develop a special bond. He was from Brooklyn and I was from The Bronx.He told me that we were Learning from each other, because we shared A lot of stories about New York. I told Peter he reminds me of my grandfather. I would call him Mr. Peter, he said to me, no just call me Peter. I always told Peter that he was my guardian angel. I know for sure that he is my Guardian angel now because he's looking over me. I would always try to all the beautiful memories that we had. I love you Peter and I will miss you. June ??
- June, Savannah , Ga
We are so sorry for the loss of you dearest father our Uncle Peter.
- Avo Nakasihian& Mary Dell'Amore, Old Brookville, , Ny
It was a privilege to get to know Peter when he volunteered at Hospice Savannah's Full Circle. He was always kind and compassionate and shared so much of himself. He will be missed.
- Betsy Kammerud, Savannah, GA
Peter was a great man and always giving to everyone. My prayers are with his family. O.C.Welch III
- O C WELCH, SAVANNAH, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. We first met Peter in 2002 when we purchased our Taylor St. home. He lived five doors to the East, and was such a welcoming, hospitable neighbor. We were fellow Cathedral parishioners, but never met before becoming neighbors. Peter was a unique, interesting, and wonderful person . . . a true gentleman, and we are grateful for having known him. May God's comfort and peace sustain Peter's family and friends in the days ahead.
- Brian and Paula Palmer, Savannah, GA
So very sorry for your loss. I was honored to have co-facilitated a group with Peter at Full Circle Grief and Loss at Hospice Savannah. The world is a lesser place without Peter.
- Ralph Culberson, Midway, Ga.
I am so sorry for your loss. In your time of grief, never forget you can rely on God. Psalms 62:8 suggests,"Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us." Talking to him in prayer can give you "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding", and it will "guard your hearts and your mental powers"(Philippians 4:6,7).
- B.B, , Ga
One of my favorite patients. Every visit included a lengthy informative discussion about art, travel, education, politics, et. al. I will miss all that "chairside" education. A true intellectual gentleman. Rest In Peace.
- M. Tucker Brawner, Savannah, Ga
My condolences to the Chiofalo family. At Isaiah 25:8 Jehovah promises to do away with death forever. We look forward to this beautiful hope that Jehovah God promises in the near future. One day soon we will not have to face nor fear our enemy death anymore. For more information and encouragement that has helped me through difficult times such as this is jw. org that offers hope and comfort for the future.
- Niecy, Savannah, GA
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Hopefully you will find some comfort in God's word at John 5:28,29 where it says "Do not be amazed, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice and come out".
- D K, savannah, ga
My sincerest condolences go out to your family, it's never easy losing someone in death. May you take comfort in God's promise found at Revelation 21:4, which says "he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” This verse brought me peace when I experienced loss, I hope it can do the same for you. May the memories you have give you strength during this difficult time.
- Mckenzie , Pooler, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

