WATERVLIET – Robert J. DeChiaro, Sr., 67, died peacefully Sunday, September 28, 2014 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, FL with his loving family at his side. Born in Troy on March 30, 1947, he was the son of the late Vincent and Margaret Casale DeChiaro. Bob was raised in South Troy and graduated from St. Mary’s Grammar School and Troy High School. Bob was a highly decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He was the first Capital District resident to receive the Silver Star from the Vietnam War. He also received a Purple Heart, the Cross of Galantry from the Republic of Vietnam and served as the Grand Marshall of the Watervliet Memorial Day Parade in 2012. He was employed as a master electrician for many years in New York City and as a self-employed electrician in the Capital District. He was a member of the C.R.A.B. Post in Troy. Bob loved his family, especially his children, grandchildren and his soul mate “Rosie” (Rita). He enjoyed fishing with his boys, opening day at the Saratoga Racetrack, little adventures with “Chicidork” (Theresa), scary movies, especially Jaws, being the man of the house, supporting his family, watching his kids play sports and screaming “that’s my boy”, telling inappropriate jokes at inappropriate times and calling people by everything but their real name. He is the beloved husband of Rita McMahon DeChiaro, the best dad of Julie (Jim) McDonough of Brunswick, Patience (Tom) Franceski of Clifton Park, Amanda (Kevin) Brammer of Watervliet, Tricia Moscatiello of Latham, Bobby (Brittany Smith) DeChiaro, Vinny (Lauren Leahy) DeChiaro and Theresa DeChiaro all of Watervliet, proud grandfather of Scott and Paige McDonough, Joel Franceski, Kevin and Quinn Brammer, Jeremy and Jayla Laparl, Jaxon and Jaimison Hall, brother of Peter (Kathy DeChiaro of Florida, Lucille (Tim) Kryzsack of East Greenbush, Annie (Ron Scafivi) Fontaine of Florida, Susan Pupella of Watervliet, Mary Mockarie of Troy and the late Vincent DeChiaro (wife Anita survives of Cohoes) and Margie Corey. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. The funeral mass will be Friday at 10 am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 25th St. & 7th Ave. in Watervliet. Interment will follow with full military honors at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet on Thursday from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Theresa DeChiaro College Fund, c/o Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet, NY 12189. Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.