Frank Joseph Chiaro, Jr., fondly known to his family and friends as Sonny, passed away on January 24, 2026, after a long illness. Sonny was born in Grand Junction on August 3, 1943, to Frank and Jenny Chiaro and made Grand Junction home for most of his life.

He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1962 and attended college at Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo and at Mesa College in Grand Junction. Sonny pursued several interests throughout his life. He acted in melodramas at the reconstructed Buckskin Joe’s attraction near Royal Gorge, wrote articles on sporting events for the Daily Sentinel, was an avid bowler, and spent a great deal of time on his photography.

But the greatest joy in his life occurred when he met and married his wife, Ellen, on February 13, 1992. Ellen, their four daughters, their sixteen grandchildren, and fourteen (soon to be fifteen) great-grandchildren were the loves of his life.

He also enjoyed close family ties with his sister, Jackie, brothers Jim and Larry, and their families. Numerous large Italian gatherings with siblings, nieces, nephews and a crowd of cousins always lit Sonny up.

Sonny’s personality blended kindness, humility, and an infectious smile with great curiosity and a love for people. Later in life, he assuaged his love of people working at Safeway. His customers and coworkers became another family. Understanding both history and current events was a lifelong passion. Weekly delivery of a thick Sunday Denver Post always brought a smile.

Help us celebrate Sonny’s life and honor his memory by coming together at Brown’s Funeral Services, on February 15, 2026 at 1:00 pm, 904 N 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hope West, www.hopewestco.org. to support their essential work.