Louis E. Chianucci

Central Bridge- Louis E. Chianucci, 91, of River Street, Central Bridge, New York died Monday, May 6, 2024 at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with his loving wife by his side.

He was born on September 5, 1932 in New York City and was the son of Carlotta Gina (Giovannelli) and Ireneo Chianucci.

His family moved from New York City in 1948 to the Grovenors Corners area. In 1949, he was awarded the New York State Humanitarian Award for saving the livestock of a neighboring farm when the barn caught fire. While a Junior at the former Cobleskill High School, he was the proud recipient of the Babe Ruth Sportsman Foundation Sportsmanship Award.

Upon graduation, Lou commenced working at the General Electric Company in Schenectady as a machine operator in the Turbine Division. While at General Electric, he enlisted in the New York National Guard Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion 105th Infantry Regiment. On January 9, 1953 Lou was drafted into the United States Army and was assigned to the 919 Engineering Aviation Company-Special Category Army Air Force (SCARWAF). He served in the Korean War and was awarded an honorable discharge on January 8, 1955. He returned to his employment at General Electric until his retirement in 1987 as manager of Union Relations in the Steam Turbine Division.

A member of numerous organizations and recipient of numerous awards, both Military and Civilian, they include: Life Member of American Legion Chapter #0248, Veterans of Foreign War Chapter #2161, Disabled American Veterans Chapter #88, a 20 year member of the Schoharie County Honor Guard, a member of the Koble-Aires Drum and Bugle Corp, 1993 Outstanding Volunteer for the Schoharie County Youth Board, 2003 Korean Freedom Medallion from Senator Hillary Clinton, 2004 Liberty Award from New York State Senator James Seward, 2009 Senior Citizen of the Year Award from Gov. David Paterson, 2014 Disabled Life Member of the Year for DAV Chapter #88 and was also Hospital Chairman of the Albany VA Hospital, DAV Chapter #88 from 2009 until 2014. He was also a communicant of St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Church, a member of Office of the Aging Advisory Committee, Christian Men Breakfast Club and Men's Monday Night Club.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Louie and his wife, Betty, enjoyed traveling, camping, riding motorcycles, square dancing, and snowmobiling.

He was predeceased by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Miriam and Dino Gentilini; brother, Frank Chianucci; and step-mother, Leda Chianucci.

Lou is survived by his wife, Betty (Cole) Chianucci, whom he married on September 11, 1954; his daughters: Lori (Joseph) Poggi and Gail Marie (Bruce) Oksa; granddaughter, Brecken (Daniel) Pettit; great-grandchildren, Bellina Pettit and Daniel Pettit; sister-in-law, Phyllis Chianucci; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will take place in Central Bridge Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Louis E. Chianucci may be made to Leatherstocking Honor Flight, PO Box 621, Cobleskill, NY 12043 or United States Disabled American Veterans Chapter Lt. V O Fryer #88, 2639 Hamburg St., Schenectady, NY 12303.