Chester A. Piascik

Chester A. Piascik, 80, known to those who loved him as Chet, Dad and Grandpy, passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on March 27th surrounded by his wife and children.  He was born February 1, 1944 to Alexander and Josephine (Ruszala) Piascik.  He was married to Francine A. (Varallo) Piascik for 51 years, who cared for Chet at home like he wished until the very end, living the example for her children and grandchildren of what true love and sacrifice in a marriage means.  

Besides Fran, he leaves behind his son David A. Piascik of Cranston, RI, Christopher Piascik of North Smithfield and his wife Nicole and her two children. Linda Daley and her husband Edward of San Antonio, TX. His six grandchildren Jacob, Taegan, Eamon, Max, Molly and Caleb, and his beloved dog Cooper. He also leaves behind a sister Joan H. Piascik of Cranston, RI. 

Chester grew up in Woonsocket where he was the son of mill workers.  He looked back very fondly on his early days of helping them to run the family store they owned in Providence.  He graduated from Woonsocket High School, and had dreams of being a farmer, but had a teacher that encouraged him to go into teaching instead.   He then went “on to go” to earn his undergraduate degree in mathematics and science at RIC and his Master’s degree from URI.  This led him to work one year at Bristol Community College and then eventually he found his home for 49 years at Bryant University teaching mathematics.  He became a staple of the community there and never lost site of the impact he could have on his students who affectionately called him “Chet the Jet”, as he would often remember with a smile. He treasured his years at Bryant, loved math and the idea of explaining it.  During his years, he wrote and got published ten textbooks about the craft that he loved.  

Chester had a strong faith in God and always put his work and family first.  He never met a dog he didn’t like.  He loved gardening, bike riding, spending time with his family, and a cold glass of Pinot Grigio with ice.  Always ready with a joke, loved a good laugh, and sharing some of his famous “one liners”. He never turned down anyone who needed a hand.  He truly was the best Husband, Dad, and Grampy we were lucky enough to have as our own.

His funeral will be Wednesday, April 3, at 8:30am from the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, 4pm until 7pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to Hope Alzheimer’s Center, 25 Brayton Ave., Cranston, RI 02920 or to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 No. Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

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