Obituary of Anthony D. Chiappone

Anthony D. Chiappone, 86, Professor Emeritus of Education University of Maine, died at his home on February 29, 2020. Born in Portageville, New York, July 21, 1933 Tony was the son of Dominic and Josephine (Oliver) Chiappone. Tony grew up in Mt. Morris, New York, graduated from Mt. Morris High School and received a B.S. degree in special education from State University of New York at Geneseo. After graduation, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent most of his tour in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Following separation from the service, Tony taught special education classes in Watkins Glen and Poland, NY. During that time he attended graduate classes at the University of Buffalo, Utica College and Syracuse University working toward certification in counselor education. In 1960, Tony was awarded a fellowship from the U.S. Office of Education to pursue advanced graduate training in special education at Syracuse University. He received his M.S. in 1961 and his Ed.D in 1963. Upon completion of his doctorate, he accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Education with St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. In 1964, Tony became Director of Training at Pineland Hospital and Training Center in Pownal, ME, a hospital for children and adults with emotional and developmental disabilities. While at Pineland he met Betty Jane Quinn and they were married on April 30, 1966. In 1967, Tony accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Education at University of Maine to teach and initiate a master’s program in special education. While at the University, Tony authored numerous articles, monographs and grants as well as presenting papers at conferences throughout the U S and Canada. He consulted for organizations and school districts in Maine including 9 years as a special education consultant for SAD 37. He retired from the University of Maine in 1995 as a Full Professor. He served two terms on the Orrington School Committee and three years on the Orrington Planning Board. Tony loved the outdoors and wanted to farm. In Orrington he raised beef and hay for many decades. He enjoyed hunting, and fishing many places in North America. His favorite was the North Maine Woods where he ice fished many winters on Chamberlain Lake. During retirement Tony and Betty enjoyed 20 years staying at the Allagash Gateway Camps, fishing Chesuncook Lake and bird hunting. He also enjoyed gardening, building his camp at Beech Hill Pond, duck hunting with his black labradors, the NY Yankees and a good debate about 2nd Amendment rights. Tony was a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution and a supporter of military veterans. Tony is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Betty(Quinn) Chiappone, two caring sons, Nino Chiappone and his wife Melanie, Dominic Chiappone and two cherished grandsons Anthony and Christopher Chiappone all of Orrington. He is also survived by a sister, Evelyn Rolison of Rochester, NY , one aunt Evelyn Miller of Buffalo, NY; four nephews and their families all of New York. He is remembered by many good friends including a close childhood friend, Joseph “Joe” Trippi of Tillson, NY. He enjoyed hunting with Bud Decesere, fishing with Joan and Verle Drinkwater, haying with Richie Clark, Sunday afternoons with Romey Seymour and all the friends he made over the years at the Bangor Brewer Athletic Club. Tony was predeceased by a special niece, Janet Rolison, by his godson, Anthony “Tony” Trippi and also by a very close friend and colleague, William “Bill” Davis who passed away September 9, 2019. The family would like to acknowledge Visiting Angels and Beacon Hospice, especially Suzanne and Michelle for the compassionate care provided to Tony during recent months. Tony was a long time communicant of St. Paul the Apostle Parish where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Monday, March 9, 2020 at St. Teresa Catholic Church 425 S. Main St., Brewer. Immediately following the Mass, the family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the parish center. Burial with military honors will be in the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, contributions may be made to Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine/Youth Fund, 205 Church Hill Road, Suite 1, Augusta, ME 04330 or the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 145447, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5447.