George G. Chillemi

George Gabriel Chillemi born February 21, 1931, entered eternal rest on November 1, 2023. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, businessman, volunteer and friend.

He was born and raised in Bronx, NY to Italian immigrants and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School. He entered the United States Air Force at the age of 19 where he served for 20 years. He rose to the rank of Major while serving as a navigator flying the B-47.

He married the love of his life, Antoinette Boccanfuso, in August of 1955 and they shared 68 devoted years of marriage. Never did his children hear their father call their mother by her first name. They only referred to each other as “Lovey Dove” and “Honey Bun”.

They have 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Along with 3 step grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren.

George was an avid Yankee fan. He was privileged to see the Bronx Bombers win the pennant 24 times during in his lifetime.  One of his biggest regrets was booing Joe DiMaggio in Yankee Stadium as a young, impulsive lad.

He was a life-long Catholic and loved his faith. He served for many years as a member of the Knights of Columbus. After retiring from the Air Force in 1972, George owned and operated Easy Vending for another 20 years.

George is survived by his loving wife, Ann, sons Larry (wife Lee) and Tony (wife Lisa), daughters Margie and Marti, his grandchildren, Nicola, Ryann, Matt, Emily, Kate and Maddie and great-grandchildren, Joey, Sammy, Claire, Tyler, Timmy, Jacob, Caspian and Alphie. Dustin, Julie, Braden, Damian, Isabel, Asia, Ariana and Brody.

He never met a stranger, loved to travel, donated gallons of blood, did canon balls off the diving board in his 80s and made a mean gin martini. We will miss him dearly!

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Calvary Funeral Center, 7100 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights followed by a Committal Service with Military Honors at Calvary Cemetery, 7101 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights.