Minnie F Chila

Minnie F. Zoccoli Chila, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the age of 102, surrounded by her two devoted daughters, Nancy and Carole. A former long-time resident of Rye Brook, New York, Minnie spent her final years at Solaris Healthcare in Stuart, Florida. Born on August 4, 1922, in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Frank and Arcangela Zoccoli, Minnie was affectionately known to her family and friends as “Bammy.”
Minnie graduated from Greenwich High School in 1940 and soon after, in 1942, married the love of her life, William Anthony Chila. Together, they raised two daughters, Nancy and Carole. Minnie dedicated 34 years of her life to her work as a lab technician at Beech-Nut LifeSavers, where she forged lasting friendships. Tragically, in 1970, Minnie experienced the unexpected loss of the love of her life, William. Despite this hardship, she devoted herself to her family and continued to be an extraordinary mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a cherished
friend to many.
Throughout her life, Minnie found joy in simple pleasures. She was well-known for her delicious cookies and pound cakes, which she lovingly baked for family and friends. A dedicated bingo player, Minnie spent many Tuesday nights playing her favorite game. She was also an avid reader, always with a novel in hand, and enjoyed puzzles. Minnie’s love for life extended to scratch-off tickets, a trip to the casino, and, of course, cheering for her beloved New York Yankees.
Minnie was predeceased by her mother, Arcangela Zoccoli Bria; her father, Frank Zoccoli; the father who raised her, Frank Bria; her husband, William Chila; her sister, Theresa DeCarlo; and her brothers, Frank Bria, John Bria, and James Apa.
She is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Mondelli (Anthony) and Carole Oliveri (Joseph); her four grandchildren, William Riehl (Janice), Gina Hoult (DJ), James Oliveri (Kim), and Billie Jo Brunetti (Joseph); and her seven great-grandchildren, Lindsay Riehl, Anthony Barbieri, Cayla Riehl, Michael Barbieri, Christina Brunetti, Daniel Oliveri, and Daniella Brunetti. Minnie’s kindness, generosity, and unshakeable love for her family will forever be remembered by all who knew her. She touched the hearts of so many, and her legacy of warmth, humor, and
love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Craft Memorial Home, Inc.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9:30 AM on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Our Lady of
Mercy Church,  Port Chester, NY. Interment to follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Rye Brook, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

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