🇺🇸 Francis C. Chesko, 96 – World War II Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient

Mr. Francis C. Chesko, 96, of Mahanoy City, passed away November 24, 2020, at home surrounded by his beloved family.

Born January 23, 1924, Francis was the son of the late Frank & Helen (Bielet) Chesko and a graduate of Mahanoy Township High School, Class 0f 1942.

Francis served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He landed on Utah Beach in Normandy, France, one day after D-Day. He later served with the Army’s 7th Armored Division and fought in five major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944-January 1945). His military decorations included a Purple Heart medal for wounds received at La Haye-du-Puit, France, a European-African Middle Eastern Service medal with five bronze stars, and a Good Conduct Medal.

After three years in the service and rising to the rank of sergeant, he was discharged in 1945.

As a civilian, Francis worked as a shovel operator for several years, and with wife Rose owned Chesko’s Fabrics, where he also worked as a sewing-machine mechanic from 1954 to 1989.

Preceding Francis in death were his parents, his beloved wife of 65 years, Rose, and seven brothers and sisters: John, Joseph, Stanley, Charlie, Mary, Anna and Catherine.

He is survived by his daughters Roseann Hayes and her husband Gregory of Red Hill, PA, Susan Kester and her husband Mark of Mahanoy City, a son Jim Chesko and his wife Linda of Robbinsville, NJ, a sister Helen Laureti of Langhorne, grandchildren Patrick, Christopher and Eric Hayes, Amy Marnell and her husband Jeff, and Jennifer and Brian Chesko, and great-grandchildren Allison Marnell and Kiley and Samantha Hayes as well as nieces and nephews.

Services will be privately held with interment in the German Protestant Cemetery in Mahanoy Township.

A celebration of Francis’ life will be held in the future.

Contributions in his name to: Battle of the Bulge, Inc., PO Box 330, Mechanicsville, VA 23111-0330 would be appreciated by the family.

David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.

Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information or to sign the guest book.