Chester (Chet) Motyka was born in Attleboro Massachusetts on May 28, 1924, the youngest child of Felicia (Kaczowka) Motyka and Peter Motyka. Instilled with a strong work ethic and desire to help his family, he left school after his 9th grade. Upon one shift working at an Attleboro jewelry factory as a stamp machine operator, Chet knew that his mechanical talents were being wasted so he signed up for night classes in aircraft maintenance at the Allen School of Aeronautics in Providence, Rhode Island.
His education was interrupted by World War II where he enlisted in the Air Corp basic training and spent time as a radio operator in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Upon his discharge, he resumed classes at the Allen school and by the end of 1946, he had both his pilots and A & E certifications.
The following years brought Chet much experience in the aviation field. He worked at the Chance Vought Aircraft Company, T.F. Green Airport in Providence, and when he became a certified instructor, spent time in Bolivia and Panama.
As much as Chet loved aviation, the real love of his life was Sylvia (Ridolfi) Motyka, whom he married on May 29th, 1948. Raising 3 children; Jan, Ann, and Peter, Chet continued a gain more experience and his travels took him to Mansfield Airport and finally to Plymouth Municipal airport in 1961, where he and Sylvia established New England Aero Service. Housing only 9 airplanes at the time, Chet’s business became the first full service airframe and power plant maintenance facility and its success helped Plymouth Airport to attract new businesses. In December 2012, the 52th anniversary of the opening of Chet’s business, he was honored; along with 3 other founders, at a dedication in which Gate 1 was named after him. For several years, Chet and Sylvia also owned and operated New England Flight Services.
Chet was a very active member of the Plymouth community. He has been Past President of the Kiwanis Club, the Old Colony Club, and the Plymouth Aero Club, and was a member of the Aero Club of New England. Chet was also on the national board of the Quiet Birdman and a member of the Massachusetts Aviation Trades Association. Chet was also a recipient of the esteemed Massachusetts Mechanic of the Year and the FAA Charles Taylor award. Locally he was the chairman of the Plymouth Finance Committee, chairman of the Plymouth Public Safety Commission, and a town meeting member. The last 9 months of Chet’s life has been spent at Plymouth Crossings where he has enjoyed taking part in their activities and has appreciated their excellent care.
Chet was the loving husband for 63 years to the late Sylvia Motyka. He leaves behind his daughter Jan Motyka Sanders, son-in-law Guy Sanders and 2 grand daughters; Isabel and Elektra Sanders of Athens, Greece. He is also survived by Ann Motyka and her spouse Debbie, a son Peter Motyka and his wife MaryLou; all from Plymouth. He was the brother of the late Victor Motyka, Alexander (Pete) Motyka, and sister Catherine Stowik. Chet leaves behind a sister-in-law, Louise Motyka, and lifetime friend Virgil Baldi, a niece and several nephews.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, March 11, from 3-7 at the Richard Davis Funeral Home, 373 Court Street in N. Plymouth. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at St. Mary’s Church in N. Plymouth at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cranberry Hospice of Plymouth or in a charity of one’s choice