Chester J. Uszynski

We are saddened to report that Chester John Uszynski took his final flight just after midnight on April 05, 2023. Chet began making arrangements for his final tour of duty after receiving word of a terminal illness in early January. His final days were restless as he finished his preflight and made preparations for his long journey ahead. It wasn't a mission he was ready to take but he knew his calling had come. He had weeks to prepare and say his good byes to his close family and friends. When reflecting back on his life he said, boy that went by fast. When his hour of departure had arrived, he released the hand of his high school sweetheart and bride of 59 years, and headed to his beloved Huey helicopter. He was focused on the task at hand, his communication was internal as he was known as a quiet man, and he strapped the seat buckle across his waist one final time. His checklist was completed weeks in advance. As the turbine motor began to spool up and the blades began to turn, his body shifted into position. The thumping of the blades mirrored his heartbeat and the rhythm became undetectable by anyone on the outside. His body was weak but his soul was as strong as ever. When the throttle was at 100% and he was ready for departure, he gave his signature half smile, all lips, no teeth, a small nod while he pulled up on the collective and the blades began to beat the surrounding air into submission. He flawlessly lifted off without a flinch and departed into the night. Then there was silence and peace. Air traffic control commanded frequency change approved one last time and reported no radio communication thereafter yet watched his radar return become weaker with every beat until he disappeared from radar completely. He d flown West. Mission complete. Chet was born in Lorain, Ohio on November 18, 1942. He graduated from Clearview High School where he met his wife Sandi. He briefly attended Oberlin College where he played football but would later graduate from Embry Riddle University. After getting married he joined the US Army where he would become a helicopter pilot and serve 2 tours in Vietnam. On April 24, 1969 his aircraft was downed during an enemy encounter killing his co-pilot and nearly killing him as well but God wasn't ready for him. He spent months recovering in an Army hospital and was awarded a Purple Heart before returning home to his wife and two children. He would go on to retire from the military with over 20 years of service. His biggest enjoyment in life was traveling. He visited every continent except Antarctica. His dream as a child was to travel around the world and he literally did that taking one trip over two months flying eastbound until reaching the starting point again. He flew helicopters for Bell Helicopter in Iran and Texas. Later he would fly offshore to the oil rigs off the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, and Africa with the occasional dangerous flight to the African diamond mines. He spent considerable time in Paris as well. Chet was a huge sports fan, especially football, baseball, and the NCAA basketball March Madness. His favorite team was The Ohio State Buckeyes. He got to see the Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns & Indians, as well as his Dallas Cowboys win numerous championships but unfortunately, as a faithful Texas Rangers fan, he would not live to see them win a World Series but most likely none of us will see them win one either. He enjoyed playing tennis and going for a run. Chet was a news junkie, an avid reader, loved discussing politics, and writing on occasion. Several of his editorials were published in various newspapers. Chet was preceded in death by his parents, Chester A. Uszynski, and Anne Uszynski of Lorain, Ohio, and recently his brother James Uszynski of Elyria whom he was grateful to visit before his passing. Chet is survived by his wife Sandi of North Richland Hills, Texas, his brothers Tom (Sandy) Uszynski of Shelton, Washington and Robert (Pam) Uszynski of Norcross, Georgia. He also leaves behind two children, Sherri Wright of North Richland Hills, Texas and Scott (Janet) Uszynski of Keller, Texas, three grandchildren, and one great grandson. The family will receive visitors in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel - 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain on Friday July 14th from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial services at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Edgar Anthony, Pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Sheffield Township will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park where military honors will be conducted by Amvets Post # 32 of Elyria. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Freedom Hospice – 9001 Airport Freeway, Suite 570, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180.

Chester J. Uszynski

November 18, 1942 - April 5, 2023