Obituaries

December 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.