Chester John Strachel Sr.

Chester J. Strachel Sr.,86, of Southington, Connecticut left this earth for eternal rest in the arms of the his Lord, Jesus Christ on Saturday 8/8/2020 at Hospital of Central Connecticut New Britain General Campus surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband and soulmate of Clare (Wichroski) Strachel.

Chester was born in Plantsville, CT, and was the son of the late John and Rose (Kloczko) Strachel, and he attended Southington Public Schools. He was a lifetime parishioner at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, in Southington, CT where he served as an altar boy during his childhood. He was a good and faithful servant of the Lord, and a pillar of faith for his family. He taught his children to put God first, and that by doing so everything else would fall into place. He was a loyal family man who greatly loved his wife and children. He was married for 61 plus years to his lovely wife, Clare. He set a fine example of what it meant to be husband, father, son, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Chet served honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War Conflict, and he was very proud to represent his country. Semper Fi. He was a lifetime member of the Southington Memorial Detachment Marine Corps League, and he served as Detachment Commandant many times. He also served as Department of Connecticut M.C.L. Commandant from 1984 until 1985. He was an active member of of the American Legion Post 72 and was elected to the office of Sergeant of Arms for several years. Additionally, Chet was a dedicated member of the American Legion Honor Guard. He was a lifetime member of the Polish Falcons of America, Nest#. 307 in Plantsville,CT. He also enjoyed membership in the Bristol Fish and Game Association, Inc.

Chet was a hard worker who held several jobs during his lifetime. After serving his country, he became proprietor of Eddie's Restaurant, a family owned business from 1956-1970. He sold the business in 1970, and began the next chapter of his life as a machinist. He was employed at Redstone Manufacturing in Forestville, CT and later worked at Superior Electric in Bristol, CT for 28 years until his retirement in 1999. During his retirement he was an active golfer, and pool player at the Calendar House Senior Center in Southington, CT. Chester was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who spent countless hours with family enjoying fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Chet also loved to travel to the Carribean especially Aruba to celebrate his wedding anniversary with his lovely wife, Clare.

In addition to his loving wife, Clare, he is survived by his children; Chester Strachel Jr. John and his wife Teresa Strachel of Southington, Brian Strachel of Southington, and Christine (Strachel) Tufts and her husband, David of Southington as well as his grandchildren, Jason Strachel, Shannon Artibani and her husband, Brandon, Krystle Chasse and her husband, Jeff, Nathan Tufts, and Sarah Jo Tufts; and his great-granddaughter, Blake Chasse. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers John, Stanley, Edward, and Henry Strachel, and his sister Florentine (Strachel) Legat. His family finds it hard to imagine life without his physical presence. However, he leaves this pain filled world behind, and we take comfort in knowing that we will see him once again, for this is not goodbye but just so long for now. We look forward to one day when we are all reunited in Heaven.

In this time of COVID-19 for the safety of family, friends, and relatives the family has chosen not to have a public funeral at this time. A memorial service may be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Della Vecchia Funeral Home 211 North Main Street, Southington, CT. For online condolences please visit www.dignitymemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chester's memory to American Legion, Post 72 or to the Calendar House Senior Center, Southington, CT where Chet enjoyed many hours with family and friends.