Deacon Frank Chiappetta passed away at the age of 84, on Friday January 17, 2020 in Spring Hill Florida.
He is known to many in the diocese for his ministry as Deacon at St. Philip Parish in Norwalk and for his leadership of New Covenant House of Hospitality in Stamford from 1992 to 2001.
Deacon Chiappetta worked for years a corporate industrial designer before being ordained, and was also a talented icon artist. He is remembered as a man of deep faith and a strong commitment to serving those who were at risk and vulnerable.
In 1981, he was ordained a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Bridgeport by Bishop Walter W. Curtis. In 1992, Deacon Chiappetta completed work on a Masters in Counseling at Iona College. His internship program at Catholic Family Services in Norwalk brought him into the Catholic Charities system and ultimately led to his appointment as director of New Covenant House.
On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of New Covenant House Deacon Chiappetta said that his experience at the soup kitchen changed his life and his notion of the poor. “I learned to see people in a different way. The gospel tells us the poor will always be with us, and some people will never be able to take care of themselves. But what interests me is how many of the poor can do better with a little help,” Deacon Chiappetta said at that time.
In Florida, a wake will be held on Thursday, January 23 beginning at 4:00 p.m. and ending with Vespers at 7:00 p.m., Mass will be celebrated on Friday January 24 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in Spring Hill, where Deacon Chiappetta also served as a Deacon.
In Connecticut, a wake will be held on Wednesday, January 29 beginning at 4:00 p.m. and ending with Vespers at 7:00 p.m., and Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip Church at One Father Conlon Place in Norwalk.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Frank and for the consolation of his wife, Doris, and family.
