Chester "Chet" Puda

Mr. Chester William "Chet" Puda, age 81, of 259 Front Avenue, Salamanca, New York died unexpectedly, Wednesday morning, May 28, 2008 at his home.

Born July 2, 1926 in Salamanca, New York he was the son of the late Frank Puda and Mary Klocek Puda Moszak. On September 8, 1951 he was married in Holy Cross Church to the former Emily Wrobel who survives.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving from 1944-46 on the U.S.S. Devosa. He received the American Theatre Medal, the WWII. Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with One Star after fighting in Okinawa. He served as a Store Keeper Third Class.

Mr. Puda was employed at the Salamanca Central School District as a Custodial Engineer for over 20 years prior to his retirement. Previously, he had been employed at the former Fancher Furniture Company.

He was a member of Holy Cross Church where he served as a former Trustee, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector, a life member of the Holy Cross Athletic Club where he served as past president, the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535, AARP, the Mr.& Mrs. Club, and the former BPO Elks Club #1025.

Surviving besides his wife are: 4 daughters, Deborah (Donald) Provorse, Great Valley, New York, Karen (Timothy) Anderson, Salamanca, New York, Donna (George) Wilberg, Sanford, North Carolina, Diana (Joel) Talbot, Salamanca, New York; 7 grandchildren, Shane Provorse, Shannon (David) Fish, Kelly Anderson, Amy (Richard) Rosario, Angela Buckner, Eric (Sara) Talbot, Ryan Talbot; 2 great grandchildren, Devon and Hali Fish; a step brother, John (Theresa) Moszak, Olean, New York,; 3 step sisters, Irene Pavlock, Jamestown, New York, Dorlores Nenno, Olean, New York, Mary Grabowski, Hinsdale, New York; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Clara Koch and a brother, Harry Puda, 2 brothers, David Moszak and Frank Moszak.

Friends may call at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Friday from 2 -4 and 7 -9 P.M.

A prayer service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday morning at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. in Holy Cross Church.

Full military honors will be held by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars #5296.

E condolences can be sent to john @ orourke-orourke.com