Pine Plains, NY – Gerald W. Chestney, 80, of Pine Plains, passed away Sunday , April 3, 2016 at Sharon Hospital, surrounded by family.
He was born May 26, 1935 to Gerald H. and Mary Violet (Folger) Chestney in Albany, NY, Jerry attended Bethlehem Central School in Delmar, NY and Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse, NY. Following two years of military service in the US Army he came to work at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes in Copake and Pine Plains. There he met Elizabeth Frueh of Craryville. They were married in the Copake Methodist Church on June 27, 1959 by Reverend Joseph Ary and settled in Pine Plains.
Jerry came to Pine Plains in 1958 to work as a funeral director for Peck & Peck Funeral Homes. He worked closely with C Buel Peck for many years and eventually became the owner the funeral homes in 1985. He was very proud to have mentored Scott Chwalek, Jeffrey Proper and his son, Christopher, who have carried on the proud tradition of funeral service in Copake and Pine Plains. In 1985, Jerry was also honored with the opportunity to purchase Dapson Funeral Home in Rhinebeck.
Through the years Jerry was a member of several churches including the Pine Plains United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee, the Rowe UMC and most recently attended the Pine Plains Presbyterian Church. He was widely recognized as a gifted lay speaker.
Jerry was active in the Pine Plains Lions Club, having served many years as secretary and president; the Pine Plains Hose Company #1 and Rescue Squad, serving as treasurer; Stissing Lodge #615 F & A.M. serving as Master and other offices; President of the Board of Trustees of the Pine Plains Free Library; secretary and treasurer of the Pine Plains Food Pantry, and member of the Board of Directors of the Stissing National Bank.
Jerry proudly marched every Memorial Day for numerous years with the honor guard. Jerry was an avid sports enthusiast, for many years he bowled with the Pine Plains Thursday night league, played tennis with friends and family, and rooted for the Yankees. Many Pine Plains Little League and Men’s Softball Players will remember his many years as a home plate umpire and his unique call “Strike 3”.
Jerry is survived by his wife Betty of fifty six years, his daughter Cathy (Bill) Fitzpatrick of Pine Plains; his son Chris (Carol) Chestney of Rhinebeck; granddaughter Bridget (Zach) McDonnell and their daughter, Aylee of Pine Plains, grandson Scott (Kaitlyn) and their children Ella and Emmett of Pine Plains., granddaughter Samantha, grandsons Matt and Andy of Rhinebeck. A sister Betty (Doug) Doyle of Stanfordville, a niece Kim (Jeff) Deal of Troy, their children Melissa and Jacob of Troy, a nephew Sean of Texas. A cousin, Bill (Joanne) Larmon of Lee, MA . A brother-in-law Henry Frueh of Hudson.
Extended family in Canberra, Australia, an AFS exchange daughter Andrea Griffiths (Keith) I’Anson, their daughter Kate, son Thomas (Natalia), theirchildren Denika, Lexia and Callie. Also several cousins and many friends.
Calling hours are Wednesday, April 6th, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home, S. Main St., Pine Plains, NY. Members of the Pine Plains Hose Co. will conduct at 7:30 PM.
Funeral services are Thursday, 11 AM, at the Pine Plains United Presbyterian Church, Church St., Pine Plains.
Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
