Obituary of Michael V. Chiaravalloti

Michael Victor Chiaravalloti was born December 19, 1931, to John Chiaravalloti and Theresa Verano Chiaravalloti in White Plains, New York. He transitioned on April 28, 2025 in Brooklyn, New York succumbing to a lengthy battle with Dementia. The youngest of two children, he is preceded in death by his older sister Maryann Chiaravalloti Marra of West Harrison, New York.

Married to Marta Spaccavento in June 1959, they remained married until her passing from cancer in April 2008. An athletic youth and prolific baseball player, Mike earned the nickname ‘Superman’ during the 1940s for his batting abilities and hitting homeruns. He graduated from White Plains High School in June 1950 and entered the US Navy in January 1951 serving through June 1954 during the Korean War earning the National Defense Service Medal. He was assigned to the USS Miles T. Fox and traversed the globe, embarking on a few off the beaten track adventures in Europe and South America. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy Mike chose to work for the Town of Harrison Sanitation Department in 1955 and joined the West Harrison Fire Department where he became a lifetime member. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s Mike also worked for the Town of Harrison Recreation Department where he assisted in running the basketball and baseball leagues as well as filling the role of basketball referee and umpire for youth and adult leagues.

As an active member of the West Harrison Fire Department, Mike served as Fire Chief during the mid 1970s and again in the mid 1990s. Known for his dedication in building a strong department he remained active up until he was no longer capable, but the friendships he made from belonging to the Brotherhood of Firefighters made an indelible mark on him. As Chief he was known for being of strong opinion, and of course known for the occasional colorful speeches at the yearly inspection dinners. Once retired in 2004, he and his wife Marta became active in the West Harrison Seniors and maintained strong friendships with seniors in both West Harrison and Harrison.

Married to Marta Spaccavento on June 6, 1959, they remained married until her passing from cancer in April 2008. Mike is survived by his son John Michael Chiaravalloti; niece JoAnne Marra Kohn, her husband Craig and their two daughters and one grandchild; niece Michele Marra Bellantoni, her husband John, and their two daughters; nephew Russell Marra, his wife Diana and their two children and several grandchildren; he is also survived by numerous cousins from several West Harrison families-- Verano, Petagine, Douillard, Demarco, and Viscome.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held in West Harrison with a date to be announced in the coming months. The Community are welcome to attend the memorial and share their memories of ‘Superman.’ Service of Christian Burial and Interment are private in accordance with Mike's wishes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s name to the Alzheimer Foundation. On behalf of the family, a thank you to the West Harrison Fire Department and the Town of Harrison for their support and encouragement during Mike’s/ Superman’s battle with dementia. It is important to have those supportive bonds that honor and respect individuals who gave most of their life to the community.