LATHAM – James W. Chiera, Sr., 60, formerly of Watervliet, died peacefully with his loving family by his side on Monday, April 2, 2018 at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born in Troy on October 15, 1957, he was the son of the late Bruno and Josephine Gregor Chiera. Jim was raised and educated in Watervliet and resided there until moving to Latham 13 years ago.
He was employed by Simmons Machine Tool Corp. in Menands for over 40 years as a mechanic on the heavy machinery used for the railroad. He also served as Shop Steward for Local 81981 IUECWA from 2002-2013 and was Union President from 2013-2016. In 1986, he sat at the negotiation table with his father Bruno whom he worked alongside.
Jim was a devoted family man who enjoyed time spent with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, making home improvements with his son Jim, and trips to Lake Placid. He was very artistic, dabbled in taxidermy and held a 4th degree black belt in Martial Arts. He was a communicant of St. Ambrose Church in Latham and formerly of Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Watervliet.
He was the beloved husband and best friend of 40 years of Sally A. Maloney Chiera; devoted father of Delisia A. (Lee) Cirillo of Setauket, NY, James W. Chiera, Jr. of Latham, Jacquelyn E. Chiera (Corey Schroeder) of Speigletown, Joseph M. Chiera (Omar Miranda) of San Francisco, CA and Nicholas B. Chiera (Laura Jarvis) of Colonie; proud grandfather of James W. Chiera, III, Isabelle, Cora, Sophia and Jack Schroeder, Sofia and Logan Chiera; brother of Richard (Linda) Chiera of Watervliet and Linda (Ron) Gardner of Brunswick. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and his faithful companion, Tucker.
The funeral is Friday at 9:15 am from the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet and at 10 am at St. Ambrose Church, Latham where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Watervliet. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-7 pm.
A special thanks to the Radiation/Oncology Dept. at St. Peter’s Hospital and especially Patty for all of their support.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Community Hospice Inn or the Radiation/Oncology Dept. c/o St. Peter’s Health Partners, Center for Philanthropy, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.
Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.