Mario “Chick” Alberghini, devoted husband of Julie (Percivalle) Alberghini, passed peacefully into eternal life at his home on January 7, just a few weeks short of his 89th birthday. Chick was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on January 24, 1932, to Yolanda (Taddia) and Mario Alberghini. He attended high school and college in Bridgeport, served proudly in the United States Navy, and raised his family in Monroe, Conn.

His 31-year career with Sikorsky Aircraft took him and Julie all over the world until his retirement in 1994, when they settled in Navarre, Florida. Chick filled his retirement years with plenty of golf with his Hidden Creek buddies, creating a bocce “league,” traveling with Julie and friends, and serving in many capacities at St Sylvester Catholic Parish. Chick was proud to be a founding member of the St Sylvester council of the Knights of Columbus and attained the ranks of both District Deputy and Grand Knight. He was instrumental in establishing the Knights’ “First Degree Team” and a driving force in helping build a new church. He was involved for many years in numerous Habitat for Humanity construction projects and countless other fundraising and fun-raising events.

Chick’s warmth, hospitality, abiding faith, and positive spirit defined him. He was, in all respects, a true renaissance man: educated, gentlemanly, cultured, and tremendously charismatic. Anyone in his presence was made to feel so incredibly special. Most precious to him were his wife of 65 years, Julie Alberghini, and son, Mario Jr, of Navarre, Fla.; and his daughter, Donna (Mike) DeLuca, of Newtown. Chick deeply loved his seven grandchildren: Christian (Victoria) DeLuca, Matthew (Jessica) DeLuca, Andrew DeLuca, Amanda Delaney, Nickie (Sean) Hartshorn, Anthony (Molly Fallon) Alberghini, and Julie Alberghini. Chick was the consummate great-grandpa to Deacon, Hunter, Lily, and Dominic and Cece. He had a very special bond with his nieces and nephews across the United States, and with many other young people through the years who affectionately referred to him as either “Uncle Chick” or “Grandpa”!

A celebration of Chick’s life, with military honors, took place January 13, at St Sylvester Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida, with Reverend John Kelly officiating.

The family wishes to thank all of Chick and Julie’s friends who have enhanced their lives over the years. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Dr Pandolfi and his amazing network of providers for their love and skilled medical care.

Donations may be made to The CARES Foundation, Inc, a charitable organization founded by his daughter and grandson: thecaresgroup.org; or to the Elsie Foundation, a charity honoring the memory of his sister, Elsie Kandrak: theelsiefoundation.org/#75a5eb55-aef0-450a-9435-6df0dc5342df.