Obituary of Chester Anthony Bartkowski Jr.

Chester Bartkowski, Jr., passed away suddenly on April 24, 2024. He was predecesed by his wife, Leslie (Francisco) in 2011. He missed her for the past 13 years but managed to move on and live his life to the max.

Chet was nicknamed, Buddy, by his father for his entire life. For all of his 81 years, his family called him Bud or Uncle Bud. He is greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Chet was drafted into th U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. As the only son of World War II recipient from the Battle of the Bulge, Chet was assigned to the 575th Transportation Company stationed in Vicenza, Italy for the duration of his service. His hard work and dedication led he was promoted to Sergeant. Leslie soon joined him where they lived off base. Leave times led to extensive sightseeing throughout Italy and Europe. Chet remained close to his service buddies and faithfully attended the yearly reunions. He frequently shared stories about his life in Italy, the good times he had at reunions with his buddies and how important the men he served with were to him.

Chet met his friends most mornings for breakfast and former West Genesee classmates for some lunches during the month. He sometimes took Lynne Swartz (Leslie’s sister) to visit her son, Todd and daughter, Tracey. He went on many adventurous trips in the states and visited family when possible. 

Chet was a “mainstay” at the Onondaga Hill Senior Center. He always stepped up and helped with any task that needed attention, even before being asked. He went on almost all of the senior center bus trips with his dear friends for many years. Chet gave tirelessly of his time and energy and could always be counted on to help anyone who needed assistance. His closest friends at the center lovingly called him Uber Chet.

Chet was a voracious reader and his personal library contained over 1200 hardcover books. His collection was donated by his estate to the Onondaga Free Library.

Chet leaves his sisters Carol (Bill) Shepherd, Lin (Fred) Zimmerman; neices Dawn Stockton, Mary (Kade) Kasner; nephews Robert (Eva) Stockton, Eric (Tammy) Zimmerman, and Brandon (Tiffany) Zimmerman, 7 grandnieces and 1 grandnephew. A Mass of Remembrance celebrating his life will be held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 927 Park Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204 on Tuesday, June 25, at. 9:30 a.m.  A private burial with the family will be later in the day in the Middleville Rural Cemetery. Bud will once again be with his wife, Leslie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Chet’s name may be made to Onondaga Senior Center, 4834 Velasko Rd., Syracuse, NY 13215, to support their programs.

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