Marianna Chiocca Hamilton

Marianna Francesca Chiocca Hamilton, 65, passed away on July 3, 2024, in Vernon, Florida, with her husband, Chuck, by her side. 

Marianna had a vitality that was contagious. To know her was to be part of her family. This was simply her way. She drew everyone to herself with her outgoing personality, her boundless energy, kindness, compassion and generosity. Marianna would give you a roof over your head, if you were in need, or a meal, preferably stuffed shells with sauce, if you were hungry. She was a force of good and light in the world, and the world has dulled a bit without her in it. Her favorite time was spent with her family, especially with her husband, children and grandchildren.

Born on April 10, 1959, in Orland Park, Illinois, Marianna, the youngest of 7 children, brought joy and warmth into the lives of everyone she met. She spent her early childhood surrounded by her large Italian family in the suburbs of Chicago. She always shared fond memories of spending time at her father’s bowling alley, and playing with siblings, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

Marianna attended Sea Breeze High School in Daytona Beach, FL, and furthered her education at the University of Florida, where she studied accounting. Throughout her life, she held various positions that highlighted her diverse talents and altruistic spirit. Marianna worked in direct mail, and used her natural teaching talents to help others develop literacy and computer skills at the Adult Lifelong Learning Center in Waldorf, MD. She was a cherished member of the staff at St. Peter's Church, where she worked as an Assistant Director of Youth Ministry and helped organize and run various church services and community events. Her service was recognized by the Archdiocese of Washington when she received the prestigious Outstanding Adult Leadership Award at a ceremony in Washington, DC, in 2012. 

On August 22nd, 1983, Marianna and Chuck were married in Statesville, NC. They honeymooned in Myrtle Beach, SC, and lived together in an apartment in Fort Washington, MD. Chuck and Marianna moved into a townhouse on Andrews Air Force Base, MD where they met many of their lifelong military family. She gave birth to her son Blake in 1986 and together as a family they moved to Waldorf, MD in the summer of 1989. Amanda, their daughter was born in 1990, and as their children grew, so did their new friendships throughout the neighborhood, schools, and church community. 

After her retirement, and her move to Florida, Marianna greatly enjoyed putting her business savvy to good use helping a friend run her thriving homemade goods and produce stand at the Niceville Florida Farmer's Market.

Marianna was a loving and devoted wife to Grover “Chuck” Hamilton for over 40 years, supporting him during his service in the Air Force and the Secret Service, and participating in various military family activities over the years, including being a member of the planning committee for the Air Force One crew reunion at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, OH, in 2022. Marianna was proud to see her husband’s uniform on display in a special Air Force One exhibit called “Flying the President”, and to reconnect with wonderful individuals, who helped serve the President.

Marianna endlessly supported her children, Blake and Amanda, in all of their endeavors throughout their life. She was a pillar of strength and love, holding down the fort at home, while their father traveled extensively, fulfilling his duties to the Air Force, when they were young. Marianna was a constant and beloved presence at her children’s schools as they grew. She volunteered tirelessly at fundraisers, marching band activities, and sporting events. She ran the snackbar for the Bannister Barracudas swim team for many years giving encouragement and nourishment to hundreds of youth who were always so excited to see “Miss Marianna” who was like a second mother to many of them. With patience and wisdom, she encouraged her children’s academic pursuits and interests, helping them navigate college visits and applications, aiding them in various moves for new jobs and new homes, and lovingly welcoming their spouses into the family, as if they were her own children. 

Marianna was present at the birth and first sacraments of all of her grandchildren and took her responsibilities as “Nonnie” very seriously. She could often be found at library story times, swim lessons, playground visits, and school activities. She played countless rounds of Uno and Go Fish with her family, splashed in the pool, and showed off her moves as “Ninja Nonnie”, a beloved game, with her older grandchildren. She was an indispensable member of “the birthday party planning committee” for each of her grandchildren’s parties, doing the work of three people, always with a smile on her face, and a willingness to do whatever was needed. 

A devout Catholic, Marianna was a long-time parishioner at St. Peter's Church in Waldorf, MD and attended services at St. Theresa Catholic Church in the Sunny Hills area of Chipley, Florida, after her retirement. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, evident in her commitment as a "prayer warrior" for countless friends and family, who would share their prayer requests, and her active participation in her church community. Some of Marianna’s favorite memories included her many trips to various World Youth Days with her children and other youth from Saint Peter’s Church in Waldorf. Each World Youth Day trip involved week-long international travel to major cities including Toronto Canada, Köln Germany, and Madrid Spain, for celebrations of prayer and worship culminating with visits from the Pope.

Marianna cultivated and maintained many close and enduring friendships during her life. Her friendship was valued by all who knew her. She never missed celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other significant milestones in the lives of her friends and family. She was like a second mother to many of her children’s friends, providing them with love, support, and encouragement, into their adulthood. Several of her close friends become honorary aunts and uncles to her children, including Patty Rosa, Patty and Danny Bowen, and Robin and Jim Bucsko. In her retirement, she formed a strong bond with her “Tiki Crew”, several military veterans and their wives, whom she met while living on Patrick Space Force Base in Melbourne, FL, with her husband in their RV. They connected over their RV travels and their shared experiences as military families.

Marianna loved the beach, and her hobbies included annual family vacations to St. George Island, FL, where she built sandcastles and played for hours with her grandchildren, memorable trips to Disney World with her whole family, and traveling to several states in the U.S. with Chuck. Marianna and Chuck made several stops on the NASCAR circuit, often meeting friends or family at the races. Marianna also had a passion for Korean dramas and hoped one day to visit South Korea.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Grover "Chuck" Hamilton; her son, Blake, and his wife, Devon, of Abingdon, MD, and their children, Cooper and Ruby; her daughter, Amanda, and her husband, John Jefferson "JJ" Gregg, of South Bend, IN, and their daughter, Catherine; two brothers, Basil Chiocca of Orland Park, IL, and Anthony Chiocca and Susan Soehngen of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She is also survived by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Shirley and Robert Lounsbery of Fishersville, VA, and two sister-in-laws, Kelly Hamilton McClary of Fisherville, VA and Karlah Hamilton Louis and Donald Davis of Staunton, VA, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and three grand-pups. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Clementine Chiocca, two sisters, Darlene Mulack and Barbara Fogarty, and two brothers, Frank Chiocca and his wife Marilyn, and Robert Chiocca and his wife Judy, and her sister-in-law, Kathryn Chiocca; as well as one of her best friends, Holly Safara. 

Marianna was deeply loved by so many. She will be forever remembered for her kindness and warmth toward all she came in contact with. She was always up for an adventure, and her laugh, wit, and lively and loving spirit will not be forgotten. Her life and legacy will be celebrated by all those she touched with her kindness and vibrant spirit.

https://www.forevermissed.com/marianna-hamilton/lifestory