Nardine Chiaramonte

Nardine Chiaramonte, 96, of Farmington passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington. Nardine was born December 10, 1913 in Allison, New Mexico the son of Vincenzo Chiramonte and Antonia Cammarata Chiramonte. He survived the 1918 flu pandemic during which his newborn sister died. Nardine also survived numerous coal mining accidents where fellow miners lost their lives. While working as a pipe liner, he had a brush with death when a large diameter pipe broke loose and crushed his hand and barely missed crushing him. Nardine enjoyed hunting and pursued this “love” well into his 90’s. He also was an accomplished pool player and gardener. Nardine’s Sicilian ancestry was evident as shown by his love to cook. Mr. Chiarmonte worked as a switcher for El Paso Natural Gas Company and retired after 25 years of service. He also worked as a coal miner and was a semi-professional boxer. He owned a bar in Gallup, NM. Other endeavors included a stent with the US Post Office, building camper shells at Al’s Trailer Sales, masonry work and he also loved painting and dancing. Nardine was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Nardine is survived by his daughter Judy Jennings and husband Ron of Farmington; sons Francis Chiarmonte and wife Lynda of Albuquerque and Billy Chiarmonte and wife Linda of Cheraw, Colorado; six grandchildren Charmaine Jennings, Christy Lucero and husband Larry, Cherise Brown and husband Kyle all of Farmington; Andrea Chiaramonte of Las Vegas and Abby and Erin Chiaramonte both of Fort Collins, Colorado; 9 great-grandchildren Amanda, Caitlyn, R.J., Chandler, Chaz, Jenna, Brady, Travis, and Bella; 4 great-great grandchildren Bryce Sandoval, Eden Faith Quintana, Ashlyn Sandoval, and another great-great on the way! Nardine was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Enga Faith Chiaramonte in 2007; five brothers Tony, Joe, Carmelo, Sam (Bony), and Julio Chiaramonte; three sisters Lilly Henderson, Rose Casartelli and an infant sister Amellia Chiaramonte. Special thanks to Ben Landrum for helping Dad in the last hours of his life. A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, June 1, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St. in Farmington. A celebration of Nardine’s life will follow Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home with Pastor Bob Moon officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers are Joe Chirieleison, Jr., Joe Chirieleison, III, Ernie Garcia, Larry Lucero, Rodney Bird and Chaz Avery. Honorary pallbearers are Ron Jennings, Dick Thurstonson, Tillman Yager, Johnny Ringold, Verla Tanner, Hazel Blackburn and Annie Roberts. Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home 103 East Ute St. Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688.