CHESTER RAYMOND ZARA Sr.

Chester Raymond Zara Sr., 85, of Palatine for 47 years, beloved husband of Martha, nee Canney, for 57 years; loving father Anthony Remi (Anne) and Chester Raymond, Jr. (Diane) Zara; Cherished grandfather of Joseph Anthony, Christopher Francis, Nicholas Raymond, Chester John, Jacqueline Rose, Katherine Martha and Angela Marie Zara. A US Navy veteran, Chester served in WWII in the South Pacific from 1943-1946, where he earned a Bronze Star. Upon discharge, he pursued a career playing professional baseball on several minor league teams. While playing baseball in South Dakota Chester met his future wife Martha. He graduated from Dakota State University (fka - General Beadle State Teachers College). He continued graduate studies at the University of Minnesota. Chester began his business career at Dayton-Hudson Corporation, Minneapolis where he was involved in designing and merchandizing the first Target store. He became a regional merchandise manager for The JC Penney Company in Chicago where he worked for 22 years before retiring in 1985. After a one week retirement, Chester worked 7 more years for the York Luggage Company. Chester was previously active in the Knights of Columbus and served as President of the Palatine High School Booster Club. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Chester's name may be made to St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign, 1201 E. Anderson Drive, Palatine, IL 60074 or American Cancer Society, 1114 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Visitation Friday, June 18, 3 to 9 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy, Palatine. Family and friends will meet Saturday, June 19 at St. Thomas of Villanova Church for Mass at 12:30 p.m. Interment is private. 847-359-8020 or www.smithcorcoran.com