Larry Chesky

Holyoke, Larry Chesky, born Lawrence J. Ciszewski, 77, died suddenly on January 25, 2011 at Mass. General Hospital in Boston. Born in Holyoke, November 27, 1933 to Joseph and Wanda (Skiepowicz) Ciszewski, he was a lifelong resident. Thanks to his parents, Larry was introduced to music at the age of six when he was given his first accordion. With the help of his father, Joe, Larry's first band, "The Polka Dots", was formed when he was twelve years old. After its first regional radio broadcast, the popularity of the group soared. Larry changed the group's name to "Larry's Polka Dots". At the age of fifteen, with the help of his mentor and promoter, Joe Tauss of New York, Larry signed with the Musico Record Company. It was then that Larry achieved his now famous "Big Band Sound". A ten-piece orchestra was formed and named "Larry Chesky and His Orchestra". One of the group's first recordings was the "Our Gang Oberek" which became a hit. Although a musical success, Larry returned to Massachusetts to graduate from Holyoke High School, and attend the Hart School of Music. Back on the road again, Larry Chesky and His Orchestra covered the eastern Polka circuit from New York to Chicago. Because of the versatility and popularity of the band, it was invited to perform at the Eastern States Exposition and the Cobleskill New York Fair. This allowed Larry to work with headliners such as Barbara Mandrell, Bobby Vinton, James Darin and many of the Lawrence Welk stars. During the 50s, Larry formed the Rex Record Company. He had a close working relationship with Gene Wisniewski, who formed Dala Records and Al Soyka, who formed Glo Records. Over many years these three pioneer Polka recording companies worked together for the promotion and benefit of the Polka industry. In 1974, Larry formed Modern Mail International. The company's purpose was to promote Polish heritage through the distribution of "Proud To Be Polish" products. Over the years, Larry performed on many TV and radio programs. Although Larry had a very busy career, he had time for a very rewarding personal life. He will be missed by his four daughters, Laura Talbot of Holyoke, Linda Chesky Fernandes of South Hadley, Victoria Cahill of Ashland and Vallerie Brennan of Holyoke, along with his 7 precious grandchildren, Benjamin Ferro, Chelsea and Kassandra Fernandes, Jack and Elizabeth Cahill, and Siobhan and Samantha Brennan. Larry was lovingly referred to as Dziadziu, Pappa Larry, and also Lar the Bear. The "Big Band Sound" has long thrived in the city of Holyoke, Massachusetts, in the person of Larry Chesky. Larry spent many many years playing music at Mountain Park Amusement Park in Holyoke and was considered a fixture at the park. Chesky is among the true polka stars who was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame in Chicago in 1985. He was also very proud of his connection to the Shriner's. A service to celebrate his life will be Tuesday, February 1 at 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St., (Rte. 116). For those wishing, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Cardiac ICU at Baystate Medical Center or Cardiac ICU at Mass. General Hospital.