LEWISTON — Chester (Chet) Paul Ciak, 89, of Lewiston, formerly of Vestal, N.Y., passed away peacefully at his home at Montello Heights on Saturday, Dec. 30.

He was born Nov. 28, 1928, in Johnson City, N.Y. He was the fourth of Walter and Lottie Ciak’s five children. Chet’s wife of 66 years, Irene, passed away in August 2016.

Chet is survived by son, Gary Ciak, and wife, Nina Haidinger Ciak, of Tampa, Fla.; daughter, Mary Ellen Costello, and husband, Steve, of Lewiston; five grandchildren, Marisa Ciak Faassen, Nicholas Ciak, Kevin, Stephanie and Courtney Costello; a great-granddaughter, Olivia Faassen; a sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Jack Laskowski; and many nieces and nephews.

Chet lived most of his life in the Binghamton, N.Y., area before moving to Maine with his wife in 2013. He was a graduate of Johnson City High School, a longtime employee of IBM-Endicott, and a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Endicott, N.Y.

Chet and Irene spent much of their time during retirement traveling with family and friends. They had many enjoyable summers at the Jersey shore and frequently visited their children and grandchildren as well as extended family across the country.

Chet was a devoted husband who was by his wife’s side nearly every day of their married lives. His strong religious faith was a tremendous comfort throughout his life. He was well-known for the way he took meticulous care of his lawn and beautiful gardens. Chet, or Poppy, as he was know by his grandchildren, was a gentle man with a big heart who will be dearly missed.

Chester Paul Ciak