Chester A. Dlugosz

Chester A. Dlugosz, (Chet), 94 years old, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on June 24, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. Chet was born on July 6, 1929 to Gladys (Nycz) and Alex Dlugosz in South Bend. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Helen Golubski and Irene Chwalek.

Chet is survived by his wife of 66 years, Theresa Dlugosz (Staller), and sister Mary Zack; 5 children, Stephen Dlugosz, (Geraldine), Mary Krisch, (John), Thomas Dlugosz, (Mary), Andrew Dlugosz, (Sandy), Katy Burnham, (Doug); 20 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Washington High School in 1948 and was an excellent baseball player and served on the Student Council. He attended the University of Notre Dame until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 during the Korean War to serve as a Polish interpreter for the Occupation Force. He was then transferred to the Signal Service Corp in Munich, Germany.

He met the love of his life, Theresa Staller, and was married on August 3, 1957 at St. Adalbert Church in South Bend.

He was employed by Bendix Corporation where he worked for over 35 years as an aerospace technician. Major projects he worked on included the Lunar Module, Boeing 747, and the Space Shuttle.

Chet was a lifelong Cardinals fan and enjoyed sports – especially bowling, as well as going to the grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. His Catholic faith was an integral part of his life. He attended daily Mass and brought the Eucharist to the sick of St. Jude Parish for many years. He was a role model and spiritual mentor, leaving a legacy of strong faith.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend, on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. and the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian of Burial will be celebrated, Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Road, South Bend, Indiana with a visitation from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Chester Dlugosz can be made to St. Jude Catholic Church or the Restoration Fund for St. Adalbert Catholic Church.

Posted online on June 25, 2024

Published in South Bend Tribune

06/25/2024 EJS