ADVERTISING

Chester F. "Chet" Ornowski

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | March 15, 2019

Chester F. "Chet" Ornowski, 93, of White Oak, formerly of McKeesport, died March 14, 2019 at home surrounded by family. He was born January 16, 1926 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Joseph and Barbara (Kurkowski) Ornowski. He was preceded by the love of his life, the late Patricia (Shank) Ornowski, who passed away January 31, 2014. After completing high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, Where he served as grade four technician with the 76th Infantry Division. In 1944, he was drafted into WWII, where he was a part of the Normandy Invasion. For his service he received 2 Purple Heart Medals for combat, The Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Service Medal, EAME Theatre Service Medal with three bronze stars, and The WWII Victory Medal. He retired from US Steel in 1983 after 35 years of service where he worked as a lab technician.

He was a member of the PNA 352 Social Club of McKeesport and enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Renzie Senior Center. His favorite past time was the many trips to the casinos with family and friends. Chet was a devoted father to his three children, Patti (Bill) Dobos of McKeesport, Chet (Connie) Ornowski of North Huntingdon, and Donita (Tom) DeFelice of White Oak, with whom he resided, 6 grandchildren, Tom (Carrie) DeFelice; Jason DeFelice, Tiffany (Mick) Pikula, Tara Eastman, Megan (Tom) Knight, and Matt Ornowski; 7 great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Alyssa, Madison, Kaylee, Jake, Cameron and Rilynne, sister, Betty DiBattista of Florida, as well as nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Anthony and Joseph Ornowski and sisters, Anastasia "Esther" Billy and Lillian Ornowski. Friends are welcome Sunday, March 17 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak, 412-672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 18, at 10:00 am in Corpus Christi Church, McKeesport. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Mary's Polish Cemetery, White Oak. Chester and his family appreciated the assistance from the Allegheny Health Network Hospice and his devoted RN, Treasure Bertani. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Originally published March 15, 2019.

Other deaths:
"Debra L. Huston" || "Craig M. Provins"