Reading man recalls friend who perished in Exeter Twp. fire | Berks Regional News

EXETER TWP., Pa – It was an unfortunate addition to an already sad anniversary.

“It was the anniversary of my father’s death, which ended up being my best friend’s death,” said Ramon Acevedo.

According to the coroner, 70-year-old John Chiarelli was found dead inside his home in Exeter Township following a fire earlier this week.

“There was no smoke detectors. Please put smoke detectors that are working. It saves lives. When they found him, he was close to the door, but he could not get out,” Acevedo said.

Ramon Acevedo, known by many for running the Reading Canteen and no stranger to fires, was close friends with Chiarelli.

“We worked together for 14 years. I became his assistant. I became his best friend. And I’ve known him ever since,” Acevedo said. “Hours later, I got the news. Actually, I was at my father’s grave when I got the news.”

Ramon and John worked together at the Reading Parking Authority and John’s dad has a parking garage named after him.

“His dad was Lou Chiarelli. The garage is named after his dad,” Acevedo said.

Ramon sends his condolences to John’s family and wants him to be remembered as a special man.

“He was a helluva great guy,” Acevedo said.