John D. Chess, Sr.

John D. Chess, Sr., Hadley passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 after a brief period of failing health. He was 77. 

John was born in Greenville, PA. on September 2, 1943, a son of the late J. Delbert and Dorothy (Powell) Chess.  He was a graduate of the Commodore Perry High School Class of 1961. On May 9, 1964 he married the former C. Sue Forney who survives.  John was a carpenter by trade, beginning his career with Lou Schaff and later working for Associated Contractors, Conneaut Lake from where he retired in 2012.  He enjoyed doing scroll saw work in his spare time and could oftenbe found sitting on his front porch doing his “traffic surveys” as his neighbors would often tease him about.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed trips to Canada, hunting deer, coyotes and turkeys.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports.

He is a life member of the Sheakleyville Community Fire Department where he served as Fire Chief for 14 years from 1978 -1992.  John also was a member of the Hadley Rod and Gun Club.

In addition to his wife, Sue, he is survived by a son, J. Duane (Michelle) Chess, New Brighton, PA.; a daughter, Lori (Glenn) Vaughn, Clarks Mills; four grandchildren, Matthew and Stephanie Vaughn and Janey and Chelsea Parks; two cousins considered more like sisters with whom he was raised, Roberta Slater, Hadley and Esther Miller, Hartstown.  He had a brother Kenneth Chess.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to the employees of Greystone Country Estates, Fredonia, Home Instead Care, Meadville and Kindred Hospice for their exceptional care and concern during John’s illness.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 4;00 – 7:00 pm at the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy., Sheakleyville.  The family will be honoring John’s life with a private family service. The family has requested that those attending wear a facemask, respect social distancing and to please keep your visit brief.

Memorial Tributes may be made to the SCVFD, PO Box 72, Sheakleyville, PA. 16151 or to the Hadley Rod and Gun Club, c/o Keith Pearce, 369 Osborn Road, Greenville, PA. 16125

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John D. Chess, Sr., please visit our floral store.