Chester Paul Ferdinand, dearly beloved son, brother, cousin, and friend to all, lost his courageously fought two-year battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the age of 58.
Chet was born in Munich, Germany on April 5, 1962, the son of Alphonsus and Victoria (Huber) Ferdinand. He resided in Dover Plains since 1975 and was formerly from the Bronx.
Chet was a master carpenter and member of Local Union #279. He took pride in his work and was skilled in everything he built, from historic buildings and barns to hospitals and schools.
Chet loved the ocean, motorcycles, motocross, weekend excursions, and all animals great and small, especially German Shepherds. But most of all, he loved his family and friends, spending time with them and making sure they were cared for and safe.
Chet had a happy personality, sharp wit, and loved to make people laugh. He was so comical, always fun to be around, and a great dancer too. He was a remarkably strong goodhearted man with a gentle compassionate soul who was always ready to lend a helping hand.
Chet fought very hard to overcome his illness and had such great love for his parents that he shielded them from knowing just how ill he really was. That action speaks to his character and we will never forget his truly heroic efforts.
In addition to his parents, Chet is survived by his two sisters, Karen Ferdinand of Pawling and Barbara Mahn and husband, Mike, of Hopewell Junction; his loving girlfriend Andrea Moran of Shelton, CT; Bella, his faithful canine companion; “brothers” Kenny and Howie; ReAnna, whom he loved like a daughter; his Aunt Bobbie of St. Kitts, Uncle Uwe of Mahopac, and Aunt Beulah Marie of Massachusetts; his cousins, Kimmie, Michael, Debbie, and their spouses; and family members in Germany and St. Kitts.
He was predeceased by Oma, Aunt Rita, Uncle Vinny, Aunt Marie, and Uncle John, along with canine companions, Jessy and Major.
Please note that all services require face masks and mandatory “social distancing”.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, March 18th at the Horn & Thomes, Inc, Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 19th at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church, 39 East Main Street, Pawling. Burial will follow in South Dover Cemetery, Wingdale.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Chet’s memory may be made to Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Ave., Hyde Park, NY 12538.
The family would like to give a special thanks and appreciation to Charlie Bates, Mike Vira, GC Calabro, and Ann Christine Nylund for all their help during Chet’s multiple hospitalizations, the staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering for their compassionate care, and the support and prayers offered by many friends.
