Joseph J. Chester

Joseph J. Chester

94, of Penn Yan, NY, was taken by the Angels on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at home.

Joseph was born in Geneva, NY on November 6, 1926, the sixth of ten children to Raphael and Margaret Chester.  He was a devoted and loving man to his family and the community. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. Joe was an avid Yankees fan, animal lover and independent to the end, always there to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Joe was employed by the Penn Yan Municipal Board as a meter reader for 32 years. After retiring and traveling, he went back to work at the Lakeview Cemetery and used to joke that he was “over” 600 people!  Joe was a longtime devoted member of St. Michael’s Church in Penn Yan, NY.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; six brothers, Patrick, Armand, Anthony, Richard, Charles, and John Chester; and sister, Anna Luzzi

 
He is survived by daughters, Bonnee Spas (Todd) and Lori Chester; sisters, Mary D’Amico and Elizabeth Thiele; sister-in-law Marilyn Race.

 
Joe was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara.  He was also predeceased by his second wife Jeanette “Pete”; and is survived by her three sons and their families, Michael (Patricia) Christensen of Penn Yan, Gregg (Chris) Christensen of Sabattus, Maine, and Tim (Toni) Christensen of Saratoga Springs; his grandchildren, who knew him as “Papa Joe”, Martin (Kristine) Christensen, Brian (Kacie) Christensen, Preston (Michaela) Christensen, Jennifer (Mike) Clancy, Linda Christensen and Arlo (Brittney) Christensen, Dylan Christensen and Peter Christensen; great-grandchildren, Conor and Erin Clancy, Grayson, Evelyn, Charlotte, Fiona, Logan and Everett Christensen; and many nieces and nephews whom all loved him dearly.

Joe leaves behind loving companion Trudy Van Buskirk; friend and neighbor Bernie Jensen and Grand-Dog Lorenzo.

A private graveside service was led by Father Leo at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Penn Yan.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Yates County Humane Society, PO Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527 (or online at YatesHumane.org)  You may visit WeldonFuneralHome.com to share a memory of Joe with his family and friends.

Arrangements are with the Weldon Funeral Home in Penn Yan, NY.