Chester "Chet" Goscicki

Chester "Chet" Goscicki
January 3, 1937 – November 4, 2022
Highland Falls, NY
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chester "Chet" Goscicki of Highland Falls, NY, on November 4, 2022. The son of the late Anna (Drozdzak) and Zygmunt Goscicki, he was born in Buffalo, NY on January 3, 1937.
As a child, Chet attended Assumption Catholic School. He discovered his love for music at age 9, and he studied with Mr. Raymond Fiutak of the Buffalo Philharmonic. After graduating McKinley Vocational High School, he worked as a Plumber and attained his Journeyman's License. On April 25, 1959, Chet married the love of his life, Patricia Biringer.
The following year, in April of 1960, Chet entered the United States Army, where his talent led him to serve at West Point for 22 years. He was an amazing musician who played the saxophone, clarinet, flute, and in later years, piano. He studied flute with Mr. Harold Bennet of the Metropolitan Orchestra, and clarinet and saxophone with Mr. Joseph Allard, the renowned teacher who had played with the NBC Symphony. During his 22 years with the USMA, Chet played clarinet with the Hellcats, and later played saxophone with the Concert Band. In 1972, Chet was asked to lead the USMA Stage Band (the Jazz Knights). For the next 10 years, Chet recruited musicians from major music colleges throughout the country, while playing many concerts and events in the West Point community, and numerous off-post concerts as well. He played at four Presidential Inaugurations before retiring in 1982.
Chet spent approximately one year working at the Highland Falls Savings & Loan. He was then hired as Cadet Program Manager in the Directorate of Cadet Activities at the USMA, where he was employed for 18 years. While in this position, he coordinated many cadet social functions, and formal banquets that included notable guest speakers such as General Norman Schwarzkopf, Buzz Aldrin, and for his Banquet for the Class of 2002, Rudy Giuliani. One of the final events that Chet coordinated before retiring in 2002 was the West Point Bicentennial.
Throughout the years, Chet befriended many cadets with whom he corresponded regularly, and he provided continued musical support for area churches. Chet was a football enthusiast whose favorite teams were the Buffalo Bills and the Army Black Knights. He also enjoyed watching the Buffalo Sabres. Chet enjoyed occasional trips to Buffalo to see a few Buffalo Bills and Sabres games.
His grandchildren were his world and he loved watching them grow. Chet would always tell them to "just keep doing what you're doing" and "try your best"!
Chet joins in heaven his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia Ann Biringer Goscicki. He is survived by his three devoted children: Lynda Knaggs (William); Robert Goscicki (Marie); and Alan Goscicki (Cristina). He leaves six grandchildren to cherish his dear memory: Sarah Knaggs (Anthony Grimaldi); Dylan Knaggs (Elizabeth Giles), Amanda Tumbarello (Robert), Elizabeth Goscicki, Thomas Goscicki, and Robert Goscicki.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Chester was predeceased by his brother Fredrick Guest and his two sisters Rose Kastelanic and Rita Hengle.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, December 5, 2022, at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY 10928. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY, followed by interment at West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY.
Donations in Chester's memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main St., Highland Falls, NY 10928.