Anthony "Tony" Joseph Chiota

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Together they shared a beautiful marriage spanning more than 70 years, built on unwavering love, faith, and devotion.

Anthony Joseph "Tony" Chiota, 93, of The Villages, Florida, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 21, 2026, passing at home surrounded by the love and care of his family.

Tony was born on November 30, 1932, in Revere, Massachusetts, to Cesidio and Rose Chiota. From an early age, he demonstrated the intelligence, determination, and compassion that would define his life.

On December 31, 1955, Tony married the love of his life, BettyJane, affectionately known as BJ. Together they shared a beautiful marriage spanning more than 70 years, built on unwavering love, faith, and devotion. Their family was the center of Tony's life, and he worked tirelessly to provide and care for those he loved.

A proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1955, Tony later earned a master's degree in Nuclear Engineering. He faithfully served his country for 26 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Throughout his military career, he exemplified integrity, leadership, and dedication to those he served alongside.

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More than any accomplishment, Tony's greatest legacy was his love.

After retiring from the Air Force, Tony and BJ settled in Florida, where he began a second career as Financial Chairman for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville. For the next 20 years, he continued serving others with the same professionalism, wisdom, and commitment that had marked his military career.

Tony was preceded in death by his beloved son, C. Duane Chiota (1985); his parents, Cesidio and Rose Chiota; his sister, D. Alice Farrell; and his brother, Thomas Chiota.

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, BettyJane Chiota; his children, Lisanne Chiota, Gina Chiota, and Angelo Chiota and his wife, Debra; his grandchildren, Lauren and Dominic Chiota; his brother, Joseph Chiota; and his sisters, Maryanne Caporale and Janet Brai of Italy.

Tony will be remembered as a man of extraordinary intelligence, quick wit, and remarkable generosity. He possessed a gift for language, loved expanding his vocabulary, and rarely passed up a crossword puzzle. He faithfully read the newspaper, delighting in sharing the comics with BJ. Music filled his heart—he loved to sing, whistle, and appreciate a wide variety of melodies.

More than any accomplishment, Tony's greatest legacy was his love. He loved God with all his heart and treasured his family beyond measure. He was a natural caregiver, always putting others before himself. He was endlessly generous, an exceptional provider, deeply compassionate, and constantly concerned for the well-being of his wife and family. His kindness, wisdom, caring spirit, and wry sense of humor touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A Requiem Mass celebrating Tony's life will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Church, followed by a celebration of his life with family and friends.

A private military burial with full military honors will take place in Ocala.

Tony was blessed with a long, meaningful life filled with faith, service, love, and purpose. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his example, wisdom, and enduring love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

"Well done, thy good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23