Joseph W. Chernesky

Joseph W. Chernesky, 71, of 418 W. New York St., Shenandoah, died Thursday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown.

Born in Philadelphia, April 5, 1943, he was a son of the late Peter and Helen Rapiecko Chernesky.

He retired from the Administrative Office of PA Courts as the manager of administrative services. He also served as an aide to the late William D. Hutchinson.

He served with the Army for 34 years, retiring with the rank of chief warrant officer, having served in the Dominican Republic Crisis from 1964 through 1966. He also served during Operation Desert Storm at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville. He earned the Army Achievement Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters (OLC), Army Commendation Medal with 2 OLC, the Meritorious Service Medal and various letters of commendation.

He served as president of the Polish American Fire Company, Shenandoah, where he was a 50-year member, and was to be honored as the Grand Marshal at this year's Schuylkill County Firemen's Convention in Shenandoah. He was also a life member of the Six County Firemen's Association and a member of Catholic War Veterans and the Park Crest Fish and Game Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Chernesky.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Susan Smith Chernesky; three children, Rita Anne Chernesky, Brandonville, James Chernesky and his wife, Denise, Frackville, and Jeffrey Chernesky, Shenandoah; four grandchildren, Miranda Jo, Ohio, Robert Joseph "RJ," Shenandoah, Derreck and Cory, both of Frackville; a brother, Leon Chernesky, Brandonville; two sisters, Mary Ann Chernesky, Shenandoah, and Barbara Gumm and her husband, Ray, South Carolina; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc., 40 N. Jardin St., Shenandoah. A viewing will be held from 8 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, with Monsignor Ronald Bocian as the celebrant. Interment with full military honors will be take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Contributions may be made to the Polish American Fire Company, 115 W. Centre St., Shenandoah, PA 17976. Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc., Shenandoah, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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