Obituary for Paul John Chesla
CHESLA, Paul John
Paul John Chesla, dear husband, father & Dziadziu (grandfather in Polish) passed away in his sleep at the age of 80 in his home in St. Catharines, Friday March 19th. Paul loved life and lived every day as a celebration. He was a talented musician, performing in the band “Music Machine” in the seventies and “The Continentals” in the sixties and was how he met his wife of 54 years, Irene (nee Mroz of Branford). Paul’s gift for music ran deep as he was not only an accomplished accordion and piano player, he arranged music for various instruments.
Paul, known as “Cheezie” to his Milton friends, was an avid, competitive baseball player and enjoyed socializing with his friends, young and old, on and off the field. He had a competitive spirit that extended to golf and was a member of the Trafalgar Golf & Country Club for many years. His spirit of competition also applied to cards and pool. No one was spared in a good game of cribbage. If Irene, Terri, Diane or Brad won, it was because the Master let you win.
Paul also proudly built Chesla Frozen Foods, employing over 100 Miltonians and retiring at 49 years of age. He could always tell you what part of the animal a cut of meat came from and what percentage water was in a chicken breast.
Paul was loved by many and still socialized with his buddies from his childhood, Randy Kawucha (Teri) and John Czajka (Irene). Whether they attended Polka dances, festivals or get togethers they had life long bonds. He made a positive impression on everyone he met with his kind and gentle demeanor.
Paul cherished his grandchildren Noelle and Brett, Jack and Teya and our newest additions: Eli and Heidi. A very proud family man, he always put his wife and children first in life and generously took care of them: Terri (Garrett), Diane (Henri) and Brad (Andrea). Irene and Paul took the entire family to Florida a few years ago as they had done many times when the kids were growing up. It was a fond memory for everyone with swimming, playing funny board games, taking the youngest to Disney, going to Alligator shows and general family fun. Paul and Irene also had the opportunity to see Australia and visit with Irene's sister Donna.
Paul was predeceased by his brother John (Fran) and his parents, Helen and John. He will be deeply missed by his brother Ken Chesla (Doreen)(Donna, predeceased), his sister in laws Fran (John, predeceased), Nanci, Donna (Vic), many nephews and nieces and cousins throughout Canada and the United States and his dear friends. A celebration of Paul’s wonderful life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Paul, throw on your favorite Polka tune, pour a drink and please consider making a donation to ALS Canada who greatly supported the entire family during Paul’s illness: http://support.alsevents.ca/paulchesla.
In honouring Paul’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
Paul John Chesla, dear husband, father & Dziadziu (grandfather in Polish) passed away in his sleep at the age of 80 in his home in St. Catharines, Friday March 19th. Paul loved life and lived every day as a celebration. He was a talented musician, performing in the band “Music Machine” in the seventies and “The Continentals” in the sixties and was how he met his wife of 54 years, Irene (nee Mroz of Branford). Paul’s gift for music ran deep as he was not only an accomplished accordion and piano player, he arranged music for various instruments.
Paul, known as “Cheezie” to his Milton friends, was an avid, competitive baseball player and enjoyed socializing with his friends, young and old, on and off the field. He had a competitive spirit that extended to golf and was a member of the Trafalgar Golf & Country Club for many years. His spirit of competition also applied to cards and pool. No one was spared in a good game of cribbage. If Irene, Terri, Diane or Brad won, it was because the Master let you win.
Paul also proudly built Chesla Frozen Foods, employing over 100 Miltonians and retiring at 49 years of age. He could always tell you what part of the animal a cut of meat came from and what percentage water was in a chicken breast.
Paul was loved by many and still socialized with his buddies from his childhood, Randy Kawucha (Teri) and John Czajka (Irene). Whether they attended Polka dances, festivals or get togethers they had life long bonds. He made a positive impression on everyone he met with his kind and gentle demeanor.
Paul cherished his grandchildren Noelle and Brett, Jack and Teya and our newest additions: Eli and Heidi. A very proud family man, he always put his wife and children first in life and generously took care of them: Terri (Garrett), Diane (Henri) and Brad (Andrea). Irene and Paul took the entire family to Florida a few years ago as they had done many times when the kids were growing up. It was a fond memory for everyone with swimming, playing funny board games, taking the youngest to Disney, going to Alligator shows and general family fun. Paul and Irene also had the opportunity to see Australia and visit with Irene's sister Donna.
Paul was predeceased by his brother John (Fran) and his parents, Helen and John. He will be deeply missed by his brother Ken Chesla (Doreen)(Donna, predeceased), his sister in laws Fran (John, predeceased), Nanci, Donna (Vic), many nephews and nieces and cousins throughout Canada and the United States and his dear friends. A celebration of Paul’s wonderful life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Paul, throw on your favorite Polka tune, pour a drink and please consider making a donation to ALS Canada who greatly supported the entire family during Paul’s illness: http://support.alsevents.ca/paulchesla.
In honouring Paul’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca