Jack Chiarelli

Jack Chiarelli, former owner of the Exeter Golf Course and a well-known local musician and composer, died Nov. 17, 2006, in Reading Hospital, where he had been a patient 11 days. Chiarelli, 92, Exeter Township, was the husband of Emily (Flickinger) Chiarelli. His first wife, Mary (Damore) Chiarelli, died Nov. 22, 1983.

Jack and his wife Mary built the Exeter Golf Course in 1952, and owned and operated it until 1978.

He was a music teacher in the Reading School District from 1936 to 1962, and was director of the district's bands, orchestra, dance bands and chorus.

He was the music director of the Orioles Revue Stage Show for four years, music director for four shows at Reading Civic Opera Society, director of Orioles Boys Choir for eight years, director of Parish Pressed Steel Male Chorus for 12 years, and director of Jack Chiarelli's Dance Band for 25 years.

He was a composer and chief music arranger for Hal Leonard Music Publishing Co. for 15 years.

He privately taught music students in the area for 65 years. His specialty was the trumpet.

His composition "Reading, Willing, and Able" was the official bicentennial song for Reading in 1948. He also wrote the official song for Reading's 250th anniversary in 1998.

Chiarelli's song "In the Mission of St. Augustine" was recorded in 1953 by Sammy Kaye and his Orchestra and reached No. 6 nationally on the Billboard Chart and television's "Hit Parade," and was No. 1 in some areas of the country.

The song was performed by many artists, including Perry Como, who sang it on national television.

Born in Atlantic City, N.J., on May 31, 1914, he was a son of the late Charles and Antoinette (Borsellino) Chiarelli.

He graduated from Reading High School in January 1933, and was voted most valuable musician of his graduating class.

He was awarded a Senatorial music scholarship to Temple University, graduating in 1937 with a bachelor's degree in music education.

While a student at Temple, Jack was a member of the University Band and Orchestra and was student director in his senior year and won the University Talent Show.

In 1936, he played the trumpet solo of "Hail To The Chief" for the entrance of President Roosevelt at Temple University, which was broadcast over national radio.

He did graduate work in music at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, and also studied with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.

In 1954, the Christopher Society awarded Chiarelli its "Christopher Award" for high-quality, uplifting music. The plaque's motto reads: "It is better to light one little candle than to curse the darkness."

In 1988, St. Augustine, Fla., made "In the Mission of St. Augustine" its official city song, and presented Jack Chiarelli with a commemorative plaque and a key to the city.

Chiarelli was a member of the Ringgold Band, the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra, the Reading Cadet Band, the Herman Miller Orchestra, the Reading Pops and the "Turn of the Century" Orchestra.

From 1945 to 1955, he was a co-owner with his brothers of the Chiarelli Brothers Music Store, where he also taught private trumpet and trombone lessons.

Chiarelli was a member of Lodge 62, F&AM, where he served as organist. He was a member of the Rajah Shrine, and music arranger for its concert band. He was a member of Scottish Rite, 32nd Degree. He also served a term as supreme director of music of Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America.

Surviving are three daughters: Joan, wife of Chuck Anderton, Exeter Township; Ann, wife of Del Harris, Dallas; and Gina, wife of Gary Burnisky, Mount Penn.

In addition to his three daughters, he also is survived by a sister, Ann Winters; and two brothers, Anthony Chiarelli and Charles Chiarelli.

Other survivors include eight grandchildren: Jenny Protheroe, Bob Protheroe, Lisa Nyles, Julie Nein, Nicole Chiarelli, John Chiarelli, Mary Kate Frank and Nik Harris; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son, Charles Chiarelli, on Dec. 2, 1986.

Services will be Monday at 9 a.m. in Chapel of Resurrection at Gethsemane Cemetery. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may by made to the Exeter Scholarship Fund/Jack Chiarelli, Exeter Senior High School, 201 E. 37th St., Reading, PA 19606.

www.kuhnfuneralhome.com