Obituary of Arlene F. Chiarolanzio

Arlene F. Chiarolanzio (nee Herr), a longtime Florham Park resident, died peacefully on Friday, July 26, 2019 at Morristown Medical Center with her family at her side. She was 80.

Arlene was born in Wayne, NJ on September 30, 1938 to the late William and Frances Herr. She was raised in Wayne and when she was introduced to Peter V. Chiarolanzio, the couple realized they were meant for each other. After the couple married, they settled in Florham Park in 1960, where they raised their family and have lived since.

Arlene had a long career with the AAA of Florham Park since its establishment in the town. She had various responsibilities at AAA, such as tour guide, trip planner & dispatcher. Arlene’s love of travel made working there a natural choice and with her decades of experience at AAA, she was relied upon by other staff members for advice.

Arlene was an extensive traveler. In their retirement, Arlene and Peter made the decision to purchase an RV. They first started with a small, entry-level RV and gradually moved up to a large full-sized RV in which they would travel throughout the US. They would sometimes travel with a local RV club. Arlene and Peter would always treasure the friends they made and experiences they had through traveling across the country over the years.

Arlene was very articulate and detail oriented. She had many interests & hobbies, and loved gardening, especially with her husband. The couple had a beautiful garden at their home and took great pride in their prized lilies and various other species of flowers which grew with love & care. Arlene was also an outstanding seamstress. She loved making clothing and other items especially during the holidays for family and friends. Arlene had the patience and skill to build incredible dollhouses down to the smallest detail. She loved the happiness that her crafts would bring to others, especially to her grandchildren.

Arlene loved the holidays and decorating the family home during the Christmas season. She won the Christmas decoration contest in Florham Park several times over the years for her Christmas lights. She was always proud of the year she won when Christmas lights were not allowed during the energy crisis of the 1970’s.

Arlene also had a tremendous faith throughout her entire life. She made countless rosaries that would in turn be sent to impoverished countries and donated to the poor and the sick. She treasured the thank you notes that would be sent from around the world and found peace in that she could help support others spiritually.

Arlene lived her life always putting her family and others before herself. She loved people and people loved her. She had a warmth and good nature that will be always remembered and cherished by all those that knew and loved her.

Arlene is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Peter V. Chiarolanzio of Florham Park; four devoted daughters, Sherry Chiarolanzio of Madison, Susan Mazzarella of Whippany, Jill Trainor and her husband, Brian of Frenchtown & Wendy Petrosine of Rockaway; two loving sons, Peter J. Chiarolanzio of Florham Park & Paul W. Chiarolanzio and his wife, Chris of Apex, NC; five cherished grandchildren, Gianna Mazzarella, Olivia & Emily Chiarolanzio, and Nicholas and Ashley Petrosine.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00AM on Monday, July 29, 2019 at Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, followed by a 10:00AM Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison. Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Arlene’s life on Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Arlene’s memory to Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad, 60 Felch Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932.

For further information and condolences to the family, please visit www.madisonmemorialhome.com