Students at Bristol Junior/High School respectfully called her “Ms Chic” and her passing on Sunday left the school district  community grieving, while honoring her years of contributions to the staff, students, colleagues.

The news was sad and sudden but also proved that in her time in Bristol Borough Maria Chichilitti impacted thousands of lives, and that could very well be an understatement.

“The testimonials posted online and on social media” said Bristol Borough Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe “speak for themselves,” during a moment of remembrance at Monday nights Council meeting.

Sharing of Chichilitti’s passing with the school district community stunned and saddened staff and student alike, led  one social media commenter to say grief counselors were made available to any one in need Monday.

Former Husband and current School Board President David  Chichilitti said its a huge loss for the kids and the district as a whole.

“Her impact on the lives shes touched working in the guidance office can’t be measured, he said, she will be terribly missed.”

Out of respect for the Chichilitt family’s privacy, this publication did not inquire as to what led to Maria’s passing, David did say, “it was sudden and unexpected.” .

Thursday’s School Board meeting was cancelled, in light of Bristol’s loss, rescheduled for Thursday, January 26th, at Snyder-Girotti Elementary School, at 7:00 p.m.

Former student and Mother of Borough School District students Tanya Lynn said what many were thinking Monday and beyond.

“There’s not a athletic event or stroll down a BHS hallway that will ever be the same. My thoughts and prayers go out to Maria Chichilitti’s friends and family. You are loved beyond measure and will always be remembered. Fly high Momma Chic! ” 

Scrolling through “Ms Chick’s” Facebook page the testimonials to the depth of her connection, meaning and impact on Bristol Borough is clear and profound.

Family, Friends, Faculty and Staff of the Bristol Boro School District are invited to Maria’s Memorial Mass, 10:30 am Saturday, January 14, 2023, at St Mark Church, 1025 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007.  Interment will be held private in St Mark Cemetery.

Maria’s Obituary can be found at the Galzerano Funeral Home website, or by clicking here.

She was 63 and is survived by Maria will be greatly missed by her loving children David Chichilitti and his wife Lauren, Alexa Chichilitti and her wife Clare, her sister Joann Sabatini and her husband John, her grandchildren Emma, Lily and Lincoln.  She will be also greatly missed by her niece Jeana Sabatini Gilbert and her husband Blake, her nephew John Sabatini and his fiancé Talia and many close friends, co-workers, and school community, her obituary reads. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bristol High School, 1801 Wilson Avenue, Bristol, PA 19007 c/o The Maria Chichilitti Memorial Scholarship Fund.