Virginia Beach Fire Department Captain Matthew “Chevy” Robert Chiaverotti, 44, passed away at home on Monday, April 17, 2023 surrounded by loved ones, following a courageous battle with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.
Matt was born October 3, 1978 in Houston, Texas to his parents, Gary Robert Chiaverotti of Norfolk, Virginia, and the late Lynn Ann (Wachowiak) Chiaverotti; he was also the step-son of Debbie Miller of Norfolk, Virginia.
Matt was a 2001 graduate of The University of Maine where his love of fire fighting began. “Chevy,” as Matt was often referred to, began his career as a Virginia Beach Firefighter in July 2002. Matt was a 20 year decorated and beloved veteran of the Virginia Beach Fire Department. At the time of his diagnosis, Chevy served as A shift Captain of Engine 7, the “Busiest Engine” in the VBFD. Over the past twenty years, Chevy “charged hard” with the support of the finest VBFD firefighters by his side . “Chevy” considered the men and women he worked alongside his brothers and sisters. Chevy was also a FEMA Search Team Manager with Virginia Task Force 2 and was with the team for over sixteen years. During his career, Chevy selflessly attended thousands of calls to help the citizens of Virginia Beach. These calls included structure fires, hazardous materials incidents, medical calls, and technical rescue incidents. Matt was respected and admired by so many for his “Live Life At A 10” attitude. Matt’s igniting smile, sense of humor, and integrity to always be the best human being possible will forever be remembered.
Captain Chiaverotti is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sara Perugini Chiaverotti, and adoring son, August “Gus” Robert Chiaverotti II, who was the light of Matt’s life. Matt was a dedicated Daddy who loved to fish, surf, snuggle, watch endless hours of Star Wars movies and the Mandalorian, go on bike rides to 7-11 for Slurpees, and have Sunday run day with his Gus Man.
Matt is also survived by his sister, Molly Sebring (Dustin) of Norfolk, Virginia; his mother in law, Bonnie Banks Perugini of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania; brother in law, Robert Benjamin Perugini and partner Eryn Stiltenpole of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania; nieces, Ryleigh Perugini, Everly and Ruby Sebring; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lois Mackey and Kenneth Wachowiak, and paternal grandparents, Audrey Printke Chiaverotti and August Robert Chiaverotti.
Visitation with the Chiaverotti family will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St., on Sunday, April 23, from 4-7 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, April 24, at the Convention Center at 1:00 pm. (Sea of Blue at 12:30 pm). The service will be live streamed on the Virginia Beach Fire Department’s Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Virginia Beach Fire Foundation or The Texas Firefighters Home “in Memory of Matt Chiaverotti.”
My deepest sympathies to you all. And my deepest gratitude for his service. I Pray God will give you comfort through many happy memories.
My deepest thoughts and prayers to the Entire Chiaverotti family. “Chevy” was a big part of the VBFD Family and will never be forgotten.
Prayers for Sara, Gus, extended family and the VBFD. Asking the Lord to comfort your tears and sadness.
I’m sorry to miss the services but will watch the streaming. Love and hugs to the entire family.
It is difficult to express the full range of emotions I feel at the passing of a beloved firefighter. I shall hold Chevy and his family close in my heart, in love and admiration..
God speed Chevy. Alarm code 3-3-5 transmitted for Capt Chevy. Welcome home Brother. See you up top sir we have the watch now. Watch over us as we continue what you started
Rest in peace, Matt. You were a super father, great husband, and an awesome part of the Virginia Beach Fire department. You will be missed. I definitely enjoyed our talks at Indian Cove.
So sorry for our (Virginia Beach community) loss. Thanking him and his family for his devoted service.
Matt has a spirit that makes everyone smile! I’ve revisited pictures of some of our good times together, tubing, 30th bday party, camping, supporting young kids with reading at my school – and they bring a smile to my face. Matt will surely be missed – but his legacy will live on. Forever in our hearts!!!