Theodore F. Cheselske

1927 - 2021

Theodore Franklin Cheselske, 94, of Crabtree, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 2, 1927, in Rillton, to the late Frank Cheselske and Julia (Brock) Cheselske. He proudly served in the Army and, at the time of his death, was the longest-living World War II veteran from Rillton. Ted was a lifetime member of VFW Post 8518, a charter member of the local fire department, and a member of Shaner Sports Club. Ted and Dorothy owned and operated Cheselske's Red and White Market in Rillton for 40 years. He was well-known for his homemade kielbasa, which his loyal customers would ship far and wide to enjoy. An avid sportsman through his 80s, he loved hunting, fishing and camping, highlighted by an elk hunting trip to Idaho with his son, Dennis. He loved playing cards with his family and cherished time with his many grandchildren. Ted was a quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor who kept us laughing until the end. Ted was preceded in death by his brother, Francis (Alice) Cheselske; sister, Dolores (Robert) Madden; and son-in-law, Stan Kirkwood. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy (Lapcevic) Cheselske; five children, Dennis (Debbie) Cheselske, Joyce (Jim) Whitford, Thea (Stan) Kirkwood, Dianne (Bert) Primo and Paula (Kevin Berezansky) Pushic; 12 grandchildren, Sasha (Nate) Althouse, Shane Cheselske, Aaron Cheselske, Justin (Sarah) Kirkwood, Nathan (Dana) Whitford, Crystal (Brandaen) van der Kloet, Julia (Brad) Kimball, Thea (Scott) Leddy, Laura (Travis) Sadoski, Emily (Joel) Walker, Olivia (Chris) Sofo and Brandon (Hannah Barkell) Pushic; and 25 great-grandchildren, Mason, Arial, Haven, Henry, Catherine, Frederick, Spencer, Harper, Summer, Ava, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Kayla, Micah, Olivia, Isabella, Gregory, Everett, Lukas, Tyler, Emily, Leto, Leo, Jax, and soon-to-arrive namesake, Theodore Allen. Ted's final resting place will be Old Mars Hill Cemetery, Herminie. P. DAVID NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, 215 Church St., New Alexandria, PA 15670, 724-668-2248, was trusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to The Wounded Warriors at woundedwarriorproject.org. Visit www.NewhouseFuneralHome.com.