Matthew “Matt the Hat” A. Chionchio, age 91, of Ravenna, died on Saturday, January 25, 2020 in Summa Akron City Hospital Hospice.
Matthew was born August 16, 1928 in Ravenna, Ohio to Joseph and Leta (Naturale) Chionchio. Matt was a first generation American, his parents having emigrated from Vieste, Italy.
Mr. Chionchio was an active sales agent with Jack Kohl Realty in Ravenna, in both residential and commercial real estate. It is believed that Matt was the most senior active Realtor in Portage County, having more than 50 years of experience. Matt was an approved appraiser for Portage County and was the former owner and broker of Red Bird Realty. Matt was also earlier associated with Brian F. Jones and Mary Wilbur Realty firms.
Matt was the fullback (#11) on the 1945 undefeated, championship Ravenna High School varsity football team. Matt was a US Navy Veteran, serving as boatswain’s mate on the USS Direct during the Cold War. Mr. Chionchio received a Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University with a major in Economics and a minor in Political Science.
Mr. Chionchio loved his community and he had a certain “Gioia della Vita”, or joy of life. Matt’s early years were in the Great Depression and his teen age years were during a World at War.
REMEMBER
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the Silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more, day by day,
You tell me of our future that you planned.
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
* * * * * * * * *
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve;
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
by Christina Rossetti
Mr. Chionchio is survived by his sister, Joanne (Patrick) Kilbane of Indianapolis, IN; five nephews: Michael Battista, Kevin Kilbane, Brian Kilbane, Patrick Kilbane, and Christopher Kilbane; and a niece: Susanne Kleman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Leta Chionchio, and sisters, Josephine Battista and Margaret Wysel.
Cremation has taken place at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial services and interment to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to Ravenna High School Athletic Department, 507 E Main Street, Ravenna Ohio 44266.
To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, Light a Candle or Send Flowers, visit the Tribute Wall at www.bisslerandsons.com.
