Louis “Lou” R. Ciavarelli passed away peacefully on June 26, 2013.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Peggy (Margaret); his eldest son, Robert L. Ciavarelli, and son-in-law, Charles “Chipper” R. Gluck Jr.
He was born in Locust Valley, N.Y., on Dec. 8, 1921, a first generation Italian American to Paolo and Barbara Ciavarelli. He was one of nine children, and was preceded in death by his brothers, Matthew, Philip, Anthony, and his sisters, Rose and Edith.
He is survived by daughter, Doreen Gluck of Cobbs Creek, Va.; son, Louis P. (Rita) of Midlothian, sisters, Jean Visslailli and Kay Grella of Glen Cove, N.Y., and brother, Michael of Syossett, N.Y. Surviving grandchildren include, Gina (Rob) Love, Charlene Gluck, Robert (Monica) Ciavarelli, and Rona (Charles) Lane. Surviving great-grandchildren are Jacob Love and Dylan Ciavarelli.
A Navy veteran of World War II, he was a member of Fleet Air Wing Seven based in western England whose mission was to patrol the waters of the North Atlantic to search and destroy German U-boats. After the War he returned to Long Island, where he met his wife, Peggy Edwards, a native of England who came to the U.S. working as a child’s nurse to a diplomat. They were married in 1946. He worked most of his life in many aspects of the aircraft industry on Long Island. He was employed first at Republic Aviation and then finishing his career in 1987 as a Technical Writer for Grumman Aerospace.
After retiring he and Peggy moved to Richmond in 1988 and had resided here since then.
He was a lifetime member of the BPOE #1458 (Elks) Club, VFW #347, Navy League of the United States, and a member of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Richmond.
He enjoyed professional baseball, golf, and spending time with his family. He will always be remembered for his generous nature, and infectious sense of humor.
A Mass of the Christian Burial was said at St. Edward the Confessor on July 3 at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Edward’s Church, 2700 Dolfield Road, Richmond, Va. 23235 or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Bliley’s-Chippenham.