Chester J. Layman, 95, of Dunkirk, died Tuesday morning July 29, 2014, at the Chautauqua County Home.
Chester was born Feb. 20, 1919, in Dunkirk, son of the late Michael and Hattie (Graczykowski) Layman.
He was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1938.
Chester traveled through Africa, Italy France and England, courtesy of the US Army, as he served from 1942-45.
Following WWII, he married Clara Gambino on Thanksgiving Day 1946.
He was a retired employee of the former Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp. in Dunkirk after 40 years of service, having retired Feb. 28, 1981 at age 62.
Chester coached the Columbus Club Little League team from 1960-64, and was an avid NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan.
He also bowled in the Columbus Club League, and American Legion League, and was a member of American Legion Post 62, and the "City Hall Walkers Club" immediately upon his retirement.
He is survived by his wife Clara; sons Michael (Barbara) Layman, Robert (Pam Racino) Layman, Richard (Atsuko) Layman; grandchildren Michelle Witzky, Jennifer Bodkin, Marcy Slone Jenna Layman, Brooke Layman, Sam Layman, Nathan Layman, Sara Layman, and Emily Layman; great-grandchildren Lauren and Ryan Witzky, Ethan and Josh Bodkin; and sister Dorothy (late Ray) Gunther.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 East Doughty Street in Dunkirk on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 10 o'clock in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Mary's Cemetery, c/o St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church, 328 Washington Ave., Dunkirk.
By the Observer
