Chester Cooper Horn III peacefully passed away and went to be with the Lord Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10:48 a.m. at the age of 76. Chester “Chet” upon first meeting his soon to be wife, knew that she was “the one”. They married and were blessed with 55 years of marriage. Chester was a man of great faith who dedicated his life to God, his wife, and his children. He went on to be an active grandparent to his 10 grandchildren whom he showered with love. He was the priest of his home. He was dedicated to his career as a power plant supervisor. Chester was a leader at home and in his community.
Chester is predeceased by his parents Chester Cooper II and Ethel Horn.
Chester is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Lynn Marie, his daughter, Rachelle, his three sons Travis, Steven (Janelle) and Gerard (Yorley), grandchildren Daesha, Hannah, Mateo, Elias, Kateri, Lucia, Rosa, Yoachim, Josiah, and Maryem, siblings Dolores Smith (John), Jerald Horn (Raymona), Adrain Vaughn (Rubin), and Cheryl Wilkerson (Ronald) and a host of other relatives and friends.
Chester was born on January 3rd, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up with his 4 younger siblings. Chester was a consummate big brother. His siblings have many stories of how he looked out for them, even before himself. Being a protector would be a fingerprint of how Chester expressed love all his life.
While living in New Orleans, Chester attended McDonogh 35 Senior High School and Delgado Community College. He earned a draftsman degree from Delgado CC and later in life, earned a BS in Systems Management from SUNY Empire State College while in his 60s. Chester worked faithfully and began his career at the U.S. Post Office. He went on to work at Bendex and retired from both IBM then Huron after working 40 plus years.
Chester’s love for the Lord was obvious. He was a long-standing member of St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church for over 40 years. He served as a eucharistic minister, co-leader of Bible Study, and lector. Those that heard Chester proclaim the Gospel during mass as a lector or preach the Gospel at prayer meetings, in jail, on the street corner, or in our home, felt ministered to and truly touched. It would not be uncommon for him to well up with emotion when speaking about his faith. He was involved in both street and prison ministry. Planting seeds when ministering to others was important to him and he was blessed enough to see fruits of his love labor.
Chester will be greatly missed. His impact on those who knew him was undeniable. Anyone who knows a member of Chester’s family, understands why they are proud of the man, the husband, the father, the grandfather, the uncle, the sibling, the friend, and the head of household he was. His strengths and talents, combined with his humility made him a great man among men, his weaknesses (which were few by my mother’s account) reminded us he was human.
The family sincerely appreciates all the prayers, special acts of love, and support shown them. No expression of kindness is taken for granted.
The Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 22 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church, 306 Odell Avenue, Endicott, NY.