By Chiara Coddington
Anthony speaks with deep gratitude when remembering his wife, Kathleen DiChiara, emphasizing how much her insight in the food banking industry meant to him and so many others. He says her legacy will remain with him forever.
“She was loved by all,” Anthony said, his voice filled with admiration. “Kathleen loved people, too. I was always so, so amazed by her.”
Reflecting on Kathleen’s journey with CFBNJ, Anthony describes her work as never truly ending — rather, she passed the baton to the next generation. Her dedication ensured that her mission would continue beyond her time, leaving a lasting impact on both the organization and the countless people she helped.
“The Community FoodBank of New Jersey has grown tremendously,” he said. “The employees, the funds, the size, the scope of work. Everything improved greatly. Kathleen was always committed to helping others find work, especially those who were struggling, and I find that truly inspiring.”
When asked about his favorite memory of Kathleen, a smile spreads across Anthony’s face as he recalls the now-legendary “bull story.”
“The Newark police killed a bull that had escaped a slaughterhouse and was wandering the streets,” he explained. “After, they called Kathleen and asked if she wanted it. And of course, the woman who would take anything agreed without hesitation. After she got off the phone, she turned to me and asked for a favor — she needed me to call a friend, or maybe a few friends, to help distribute 1,500 pounds of bull meat.” He laughs. “I had to do some serious convincing to get one of my friends on board, but eventually, he agreed.”
As Kathleen’s husband, Anthony had a unique perspective on her drive and dedication. He wasn’t just a witness to her work — he was her biggest supporter. Though he often drove her to meetings and events, his role in her life went far beyond that. He admired her deeply, not just as a leader, but as the woman he loved.
“I imagine the FoodBank will only continue to grow,” Anthony said when asked about the future. “I hope they can help even more people — whether by giving them jobs or ensuring food security. Even though Kathleen is no longer here, I hope she continues to give them faith.”
Anthony describes Kathleen as a woman far ahead of her time. She was not only a visionary leader but also a deeply compassionate person, loved by all who knew her. Though she is gone, he hopes her legacy will inspire others to continue helping those in need — just as she did.