CHIAFFREDO, Thomas J.
Source: Covington Friend Wednesday, June 4, 1975
A Covington youth was killed as the result of an auto accident one day before he was set to graduate from high school and hours after receiving a scholarship for college.
Thomas J. Chiaffredo, 17, of Rt. 2, Covington, died instantly at 12:15 a.m. Saturday when he was thrown from his car after he smashed into a car driven by Max R. Whittington, 19, Rt. 2, Kingman.
Whittington is listed in guarded condition and a passenger in the Chiaffredo car, Linda Anderson, 18, Rt. 1, Williamsport, is listed in critical condition at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Danville.
Police said Chiaffredo died of massive head injuries, Miss Anderson suffered a fractured pelvis, broken ribs and injuries to the chest and abdomen, and Whittington received multiple lacerations and possible neck and spinal injuries.
According to Indiana State Police, use of seat belts could have prevented the fatality and reduced the injuries.
Police said Chiaffredo’s car was eastbound on Ind. 32, when he failed to yield the right-of-way and hit the Whittington car, which was northbound on Ind. 63, broadside.
At Covington High School’s award night ceremonies Friday night, Chiaffredo was the recipient of a Citizens’ Scholarship Award and received Outstanding Musician Award for this participation in the high school band.
Thomas Joseph Chiaffredo was born September 19, 1957 at Danville, Ill, son of Joseph Chiaffredo Jr. and Mary Day Chiaffredo, both of whom survive.
Also surviving are a brother, Greg, at home; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ruth Day of Danville, Ill.; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Chiaffredo Sr., Bradenton, Fla.; several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather.
Young Chiaffredo was a life resident of the Foster community. He had earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was assistant scoutmaster of Covington troop 271. He was a member of, and served as altar boy, at St. Joseph Catholic Church at Danville, Ill.
Funeral mass was held 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Danville with burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery there.