Chester "Chet" Niznik

Mr. Chester “Chet” Niznik, age 91, of Utica, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 22, 2012 when he passed away at the Pines at Utica after a short stay with his loving family by his side. Chester was born in Utica on February 5, 1921, the son of the late Felix and Mary (Gacek) Niznik. Raised and educated locally, he attended St. Stanislaus Catholic Elementary School where he became fluent in speaking and writing Polish. He also attended T.R. Proctor High School. A member of the Greatest Generation and a proud veteran of the United States Navy, Chet honorably served his country during World War II as a dry dock sailor stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. On December 30, 1939 he married the former Theresa Rose DiSpirito; the two had rejoiced in their nearly 64-year union until Theresa’s passing on December 18, 2003. In his younger years, Chet worked at the Savage Arms Company and later in a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, a federal sustainable work program, where he built roads and bridges. He was later employed at Horrocks-Ibbotson Company as an assembler for many years. He lastly took a position at Sperry Rand as a Quality Specialist, the position from which he retired. Chet was a friendly man and always had a smile for everyone he met. He lived his life in harmony with his unending love for his family and home. Blessed with strength and stamina, he loved to walk everywhere he went, never accepting a ride from anyone. He was a man of his generation, hardworking and always on the move, from the moment he woke until he retired for the night. He enjoyed gathering with his family for a barbecue or clam bake, and in his earlier years he loved to fish with family and friends. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Chet is survived by his son, Raymond Niznik of Utica with whom he shared a home. He cherished in his heart the loving memories of his sons who preceded him in death, David who passed away in infancy, and Robert Chester. He also leaves his sister, Jenny Biernat of Utica; his brothers, Stanley “Steve” Niznik of Gloversville, and Matt Niznik of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, cousins, and in-laws Ann Forlano of Ithaca, Marie Zuchowski and her husband John of Utica, Anna DiSpirito, Patricia “Pat" Niznik, and Shirley Niznik. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and George Bowers, and Stephanie “Sadie” and Matthew Haligowski; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Marion Niznik, Stephen S. “Vonnie” Sr. and Hazel Mae Niznik, John J. “Pete” Niznik, and Walter Niznik; his nephew, Joe Visingardi; and his in-laws, Anthony DiSpirito, Rose Krebs, Elvera Passare DiTrica, Julius Passare, Thomas DiTrica, Marion Niznik, Thelma Niznik, and Peter Forlano. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. A.L. Shaheen, and the nurses and staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Julie, Georgia, Jessica Murphy, PA, Diane and Billy and Nicole, and niece Eileen Demanda, and brother-in-law John, for all the care attention shown to Chet. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to The Abraham House or to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Chester’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Chester "Chet" Niznik

February 5, 1921 - June 22, 2012