Phone: 610-485-2425
Follow us on FacebookDecember 15th, 2025
Originally from Claymont and the youngest child of Tony and Martha Chieffo, Anthony attended the Charles W. Bush School for special–needs children and later the Delaware Autistic Program as an adolescent. After his school years Anthony enjoyed attending the Chimes day program in Newark, where he was known for his stylish outfits (picked out by his style-conscious mother) and for wandering the halls greeting everyone.
From his childhood Anthony always found joy in music and loved watching performances on television, from classical symphonies to operasand even American Bandstand. His longtime favorite was the Lawrence Welk show, which he watched with enthusiasm for decades—the same episodes over and over. He also enjoyed Sesame Street in his early yearsand for a time was a fan of Ernie, Kermit, and Elmo.
Anthony always liked riding in the car and was eager to follow anyone jingling car keys. A highlight of his day was the bus ride to and from school and his day program, and of course his evening and weekend rides with his father in any kind of weather.
In 2012 Anthony moved to a residential group home in Newarkwhere he enjoyed outings such as going to the mall, out to dinner, and even to movies. Most recently he developed a love for French fries and chicken nuggets and discovered the convenience of watching Lawrence Welk on his iPad. Anthony’s ability to laugh and find joy in life’s simple pleasures was his gift to those who knew him, and his impish spirit ensured that time spent with him was never boring.
Anthony is survived by his sister Lisa Chieffo and brother-in-law Joachim Piprek, as well as many cousins in the extended Chieffo family.He is predeceased by his parents, Tony and Martha Chieffo.
The family extends sincere thanks to the many staff members of the Chimes residential and day programs who cared for Anthony and provided him new experiences.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Ward Funeral Home, 1459 Market St., Linwood, PA, on Thursday, December 18, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (jwardfuneralhome.com), with burial to follow at Lawncroft Cemetery in Linwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Anthony’s memory may be made to Chimes of Delaware (chimes.org, Chimes Intl., 4815 Seton Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215.
Thank you, Lorri. I always enjoyed reading your comments about Anthony in the Chimes portal; I used to read them to our mom as well, as she was always interested to know what he did all day. Yours is not an easy job. Thank you for having the patience to work with Anthony.
May God give you comfort and peace during the loss of your beloved Anthony. He will be missed dearly.
Thank you, Patience. He was blessed to have you as his State advocate. We knew we could always rely on you for support.
Thank you, Patience You were such an advocate for Anthony over the years and during and after his hospitalization. We appreciate that very much. Having him home during his final days is an enormous comfort.
Dear Lisa and Joachim,
My condolences and prayers as your brother now enjoys new life and love with God and your lovely Mom and Dad.
Your care and sacrifices helped Anthony to do his best by overcoming many challenges .
His radiant smile and joyful spirit encouraged us to be grateful and love others as Jesus loves us.
Praying you are at peace trusting Anthony now lives with no limitations in eternal life and love.
God bless you and all our family, Father Ralph
Thank you so much for your uplifting message, Father Ralph. Despite his challenges Anthony brought much joy to so many during this life. It is truly a comfort to know that Anthony is with Mom and Dad, our grandparents, and beloved aunts and uncles.
My prayers go out to you and your family
I will miss my Lawrence Welk buddy
Peace be with you
Deb J
Thank you for caring for Anthony, Deborah. Yours was not an easy job. It was a comfort to our family knowing that you were always looking out for Anthony’s well-being.
I am so sorry for your loss Lisa and family. Praying for all during this difficult time.
Thank you, Leslie!
I am so sorry to hear of Anthony’s passing. My condolences to Lisa and the family. He was a great guy!
Thank you, Susan, for serving as Anthony’s State advocate and representative. It was a comfort to our family knowing that we could count on you to help us through paperwork and bureaucracy.
I had the privilege of caring for Anthony at the Chimes Day Program for the last the years and I enjoyed every day that I spent with him . I will miss him so much.