Obituary of George A. Chesla

Chesla, George A. of New Florence peacefully passed away as the sun was rising in Thursday, April 27th just the way he had hoped to: at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 90. He enjoyed telling stories to anyone who would listen. And so now, it is our honor to tell his story… George was born on August 6, 1926, in the small mining town of Climax in Indiana County to Mary and John Chesla. He was proud of his Polish heritage. He loved listening to and dancing to polkas. If there was a polka playing, George and his wife were on the dance floor. He also loved traditional ethnic foods such as halupki, pierogis, kielbasa and paguch. He dreamed of on day traveling to Poland. George was a member of "The Greatest Generation" and proudly served his country during World War II on the Pacific Theater as a member of the US Paratroopers 11th Airborne Division. As a loyal member of the local area honor guard, he attended the funerals of all local veterans. He was a lifetime member of Robinson VFW Post 9310. He was a coal miner by trade. He would tell stories of going into the mines at a very young age with his father. In his late 30's, he was severely injured in a mining accident. Having the scars and knowing the risks, he choose to return to the mines and remained there until his retirement. He was an expert self-taught mason who had the creativity to cut ordinary field stones into beautiful shapes. Shortly after returning from the war, he began building his infamous "house of cards" home—a unique stone cased house with diamond, spade, club and heart shaped field stones. He never grew tired of people knocking at his door and asking if they could take a photo of his home. They were always amazed when he told them the story of how, he himself, had hand-carved the stones and built the house. George enjoyed nature to the fullest. He loved spending time in the woods hunting deer and small game. A good day for time was one spent picking ginseng or mushrooms. In his later years, one could always find him chopping and stacking firewood. He, also, had a green thumb and his plentiful vegetable gardens kept his wife busy canning and freezing. George and his wife Kathryn, had the good fortune of vacationing on cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Along with his wife the owned and operated the former Chesla's Picnic Grove. George is survived by and will be deeply missed by his devoted and caring wife Kathryn. His death breaks a marriage union of 63 years. He will forever be loving remembered and missed by his four children: Cathy Shoup and husband Mack, Sandra Waterhouse, Randy Chesla and partner Edi Nesmith, and Lisa Rudnik and husband Leo. He was blessed to be "Pap" to fourteen Grandchildren. Four granddaughters Susan Soldavin and husband Keith, Joyce Cryznak and husband Justin, Jill Smith and husband William and Kathryn Jones. Ten grandsons Daniel Waterhouse and wife Katelyn, Kevin Shoup and wife Janelle, Jason Chesla and wife Jody, Gregory Jones and fiancée Mehgan, Jeffrey Jones and wife Jackie, Brian Chesla and wife Jen, Nick Waterhouse and partner Jaqui, Eric Chesla and fiancée Karly, Travis Waterhouse and Steven Jones. The Thirteen great-grandchildren who always put a smile on his face are Bridget, Landon, Sullivan, Serena, Chase, Logan, Finnegan, Zachary, Isaac, Libbi, Austin, Riley and Jacob. George was the last surviving member of his birth family having been preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister. The family will receive friends on Sunday April 30th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Kenneth A. Stuart Funeral Home, 139 Ligonier St., New Florence. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 1st at 10 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 425 Bridge St., Seward. Rev. Robert Washko officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Fairfield Cemetery with full military honors. After 90 years of perpetual motion, dear Dad, may you now peacefully rest.