Joseph A. Schiavoni, 96, librarian

Joseph A. Schiavoni, 96, of Havertown, a longtime librarian, died Wednesday, Dec. 11, of congestive heart failure at home.

Mr. Schiavoni worked for The Inquirer for 45 years, first for the paper's library and later in its advertising department, where he was in outside sales. He retired Jan. 29, 1982.

Mr. Schiavoni then worked at La Salle University Library four nights a week for 27 years until retiring in 2009.

He was one of the original organizers of the Army's Sixth Armored Division at Camp Chaffee Ark., in March 1942.

During World War II, he served in the European Theater and was honorably discharged in November 1945. His duties were clerical.

Son Joseph G. said his father was "all about family."

"That was his life. He would go to the kids' games and play tennis with his son," he said.

Until several years ago, Mr. Schiavoni kept a vegetable garden and loved growing tomatoes and cucumbers, his son said.

Surviving, in addition to his son, are his wife, the former Stella E. Marcucci; two other sons, Robert J. and Steven J.; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at the Church of the Sacred Heart (Manoa), 105 Wilson Ave., Havertown. It will be followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment is in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Jefferson Hospice and Palliative Care, 240 Radnor Chester Rd., Suite 100, Radnor, Pa. 19087.