Star Class Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
It's with heavy heart that the Star Class informs our members of the passing of Commodore John Chiarella on August 3.
Joseph John Chiarella died on August 3, 2023 in New London, New Hampshire, at the age of 86, with his family by his side. John was born on July 1, 1937 in Newburgh, New York. He grew up in Fort Montgomery, New York, in the Hudson River Valley. John took over his father’s General Motors Dealership and ran it until the mid-70’s, enjoying a close affiliation with the nearby West Point Military Academy. John married his wife, Dona, in 1953, who predeceased him in 2012 after 60 years of marriage. John, Dona and their four children spent summers on Lake Sunapee, in the home they built in 1960 on Birch Point. Upon moving to New Hampshire full time, they spent a number of happy years at their Snowbound Farm in Springfield, New Hampshire. They eventually moved to what the family fondly called “the Brick House” on Garnet Hill Road on Lake Sunapee, later building a new home on Harbor Hill in Sunapee, where John resided until his death. John and Dona spent many years as members of the Lake Sunapee Yacht Club, with John serving as Commodore of the Club in the 1980s, with Dona at his side. John was an avid sailor, racing Star Class sailboats on Lake Sunapee and at regattas held from Miami to Toronto. John eventually became the Commodore of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association, a position he held until his death. John became a Realtor for his remaining years with various real estate agencies in the Sunapee – New London area. John was also involved in many local organizations, the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHAD) being especially close to his heart. He served on the CHAD Board for 12 years, organizing a very successful week-long fund raising sailing regatta on Lake Sunapee. John’s family members and many friends who knew him well, will attest to his unlimited love and loyalty, his passion for sailing and his community, and his unquenchable zest for life. All who knew him would also attest to his unending persistence in all his endeavors. John is survived by his children, Michael (Susan) of Springfield, N.H., Tamara of Boscawen, N.H., Taryn (Robert Anthonyson) of New London, N.H., and John (Maureen) of Springfield, N.H. He is survived by his grandchildren, Michael Hannon (Torie Mesropian) of Windsor, VT and Sonya (Brandon Kovlar) of Springfield, N.H., and great-grandchildren, Cameron Hannon and Oliver Kovlar. And being a true animal lover, he had many dogs and grand dogs that he loved over the years. Calling hours are scheduled for Friday, August 11th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, New Hampshire. A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, August 12th at 10:00am at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church in New London with a reception following at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to CHAD at Dartmouth, Lake Sunapee Region VNA, the Upper Valley Humane Society, or to a charity of your choice. To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.
Below are comments received in the Star Class office
It is with a heavy heart and news that John has just passed. We say good by to an amazing man with a pssion for sailign like none other. The Commodore of the Star Class and our captain in so many ways, may you rest in peace! A man of many talents and tireless contributions to us all. God will open up his arms and bless you. We will never forget you!
Andy Ivey / Brad Nichol
He never did slow down and always was doing something for the Class
Mark Reynolds
John was more than a Star sailor...... he was a STAR GUY....his achievements speak for themselves.... We sill miss him.
Larry Whipple
Star Class Family;
It’s with guarded optimism that the Class Office reports that Commodore John Chiarella is battling illness. As one of our oldest and dearest members of our Class, John has been responsible for many initiatives and programs to come into the Star Class. We want to keep John and his family in our thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks. If you wish to send a note, please email it to office@starclass.org and we’ll take responsibility of getting your messages to John and his family.
Mike Hecky
Executive Director
