Santo Chilla

Santo Chilla, 95, of Downingtown, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022, at his home.  He was the beloved husband of the late Catherina Filoromo Chilla, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in Sicily, Italy, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Giovanna (Mento) Chilla.  He married the love of his life in Italy and then came to this country at the age of 25 and settled in Downingtown, where he built a home for him and his new wife to raise their family. He was a hard worker and a strong role model.  He worked at the Sonoco Paper Company, in Downingtown for 35 years.  He loved to bowl and had a green thumb. After his retirement from the paper mill, he enjoyed spending time in his garden.  He loved being able to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to all his family and friends. He also enjoyed the family time, picnics, holidays and “just because” drop ins from his children, and grandchildren.  His story telling and funny antics made us all laugh and will be deeply missed.    

Santo is survived by his children, Joanne Phillips (Robert), Nicholas Chilla, Josephine Reynolds (Craig), Francesco Chilla (Peggy) and Catherine Lark (Brian); his 18 grandchildren; Robert and Brian Phillips; Tina Mandia, Faith Dailey, Nicole, Nicholas, Tony, and Katrina Chilla; Jessica Bristow, Ashley Nileski, Matthew Reynolds; Michael, Christopher, Danny, Jennifer and Joshua Chilla; Vincent and Kyle Lark.  He is also survived by 22 great grandchildren; Kyle, Catherina, Robert, Bailey Phillips; Gabriella and Nicholas Chilla, Wallis Erman; Madisyn, Riley and Morgan Bristow; Austin and Alexis Nileski; Sofia and Henry Reynolds; Dario, Amara, Jack and Francesca and Leonardo Chilla, Landon, Erik and Kolin Stamm.

An evening visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown.

A morning visitation will be held from 10:00 – 10:45 am on Monday, June 20, 2022, at St. Joseph Church, 332 Manor Ave., Downingtown, where his Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am.  

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Downingtown.

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