Chester P. Strzepa, 93, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born on April 12, 1933, in Chicopee, he was the beloved son of the late Konstanty Strzepa and Agnes (Grzesik) Strzepa. A proud Korean War Veteran, Chester honorably served his country in the United States Army. He later graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning his Bachelor of Science Degree — an accomplishment that reflected his intelligence, determination, and lifelong love of learning. Chester went on to dedicate many years of his professional life as a Human Resources Manager for Monsanto before retiring. To those who knew him best, Chester was much more than his accomplishments. He was the heart of his family — warm, welcoming, endlessly curious, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. The Strzepa home was always open to family and friends, serving as the gathering place for countless holidays, celebrations, cookouts, and family parties over the years. Chester had a brilliant mind and an incredible gift for conversation. He could speak knowledgeably about almost any subject, and he genuinely enjoyed listening and learning from others. A lifelong reader with a deep love of history, he was often found immersed in his latest book from the Chicopee Public Library. His curiosity never faded, and he remained eager to learn something new every day of his life. An engineer at heart, Chester especially loved building and creating things with his hands. Long before color televisions became common in homes, he took a course and proudly built the family’s very first color television himself — something his family always remembered with admiration. He also built a convertible that became a treasured part of family life, creating joyful memories for his wife, children, and grandchildren, who all loved riding in it together. Another beloved hobby was woodworking. Chet could often be found in his wood shop crafting cutting boards, tables, and other gifts for loved ones that are now cherished heirlooms. Chester was also an avid cyclist who rode his bike daily well into his late 80s. One of his favorite adventures was a cycling trip across Europe with his children, Gail and Mike, creating lifelong memories together — a journey Mike later commemorated in a book. Above all else, Chester’s greatest joy and closest companion was his beloved wife, Gloria. Their love was a beautiful example of partnership, devotion, and friendship. Together they built a life centered on family, laughter, and shared adventures. They loved traveling together — visiting Gail on the West Coast, spending cherished time on Cape Cod with their grandchildren, and taking weekend trips to Maine and Vermont to enjoy the beauty and peace of New England. Wherever they went, they were happiest simply being together. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gloria D. (Robert) Strzepa; his brothers, Walter and Edmund Strzepa; and his half-sisters, Mildred Szafranski and Jennie Leja. He leaves behind his loving son, Michael Strzepa; his daughter, Gail Strzepa, and her wife, Jennifer Julian, and his four cherished grandchildren: Elizabeth, her husband Trevor, and their newborn son Jackson; Ryan and his wife Sophie; Matthew and his partner Tammy; and Alexandra and her husband Koby. He also leaves the mother of his grandchildren, Donna Soja, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will deeply miss his warmth, wisdom, humor, and gentle spirit. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Grise Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 7:30 – 8:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stanislaus Basilica at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. A celebration of life honoring both Chester and Gloria will be held at a later date. The family is eternally grateful to the care given to Chet at Baystate Medical Center who kept him comfortable at the end of his life, and all of the other medical professionals who took care of Chet over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. For online condolences, please visit Grise Funeral Home.