Chester Smolenski Obituary

Chester Paul "Chet" Smolenski, 87, Chet passed peacefully in his home on Aug. 3, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his life, Anita, his wife of 63 years, and son Mark. Chet was born Feb. 25, 1938 in Jeannette to Stephen and Catherine (Lapina) Smolenski. The strong roots of his unwavering Catholic faith were planted at Sacred Heart Church in Jeannette. An actual gentleman and scholar, Chet was a good athlete as well and received a basketball scholarship to Case Western Reserve University after graduating from Jeannette High School (class of 1956 go Jayhawks!). The oldest of six, Chet is survived by brothers, John (Mary Ellen,) Ed (Chris,) and Steve (Debbie,); and sister, Mary. Predeceased by daughter, Kathleen; and youngest brother, Stan. After two years at Case, Chet transferred to Carnegie Tech (CMU), where he earned his BS, MS, and PhD in civil engineering. Following CMU, he had a productive career using his engineering skills, intellect, and enthusiasm with Pittsburgh-Corning, Almes & Associates, and others. Chet accumulated many friends over the years through numerous professional, social, civic, and faith-based engagements. He valued the friendship and camaraderie of co-workers, friends, and neighbors who put their energies into problem-solving and improving the lives of others. Chet was not a talker; he was a "doer." After discussing a need and refining a strategy, he thrived working on getting things done. For example, in 1971 he was part of a small group that formed Murrysville Christian Concern (MC2) to acquire and rehab affordable housing. MC2 continues today as Friends Thrift Shop. E = MC , get it Use your energy, move your mass! Engineering humor. Chet wasn't all business. He enjoyed a good meal and the warm companionship of family and friends. Of course, he was a fan of the Steelers and Pirates as well as Pitt basketball and football. When younger he was a pretty good tennis player. Later, he enjoyed hitting the links of Western Pennsylvania's bounty of wonderful courses. He made wine for many years, nearly all of which was really quite good! Most of all, Chet is remembered as a true gentleman smart, kind, caring, generous, and down-to-earth. The strength of his character was forged in how he lived and the example he set by his actions and deeds. While his presence will be sorely missed, the impact of his life will ripple across the lives of others for many years to come. Flowers are beautiful, but the family requests no flowers (allergies). If you'd like to honor Chet's memory, please do so with a donation to Doctors Without Borders (www.doctorswithoutborders.org) in his name. Chet's Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, at Mother of Sorrows Church, 4202 Old William Penn Highway, Murrysville, PA. Reception and celebration of life will be held at the Mother of Sorrows social hall immediately after. All who knew Chet are welcome and invited to attend and share. For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.