Chester S. Zabek

PORTER CORNERS — Chester S. Zabek, 62, of Adirondack Court, died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008 at Glens Falls Hospital following a long illness.

Born Oct. 21, 1946 in Cohoes, he was the son of the late Stanley and Mildred (Lis) Zabek.

Mr. Zabek graduated from Keveny Memorial Academy in Cohoes in 1964. He joined the U.S. Army on Oct. 7, 1966, serving as a sergeant during the Vietnam War. He received the Purple Heart for his heroism on Jan. 31, 1968, when he was conducting reconnaissance onboard a low-flying helicopter that faced intense ground fire. Along with both pilots and a gunner, he was wounded, but he returned fire, retrieved ammunition and administered first aid to the other wounded in the helicopter. For his actions, he also received the Air Medal for Heroism, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Following his discharge, Mr. Zabek was employed at General Electric Co. in Schenectady as an instrument technician for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1999.

He married Suzanne K. Rosenberg on June 18, 1989 in Saratoga Springs. The couple has resided in Porter Corners for 19 years.

He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Corinth, serving as trustee and financial officer, and was a member of the Corinth Dollars for Scholars program.

Mr. Zabek was active with the Interstatesmen Drum and Bugle Corps in Troy and Pittsfield, Mass. as a drummer for several years and was a founding member of the Avent Guard Drum and Bugle Corps.

He was active with his children’s activities, coaching hockey and attending their many events.

Mr. Zabek enjoyed traveling, fishing, boating and most of all, spending time with his family.

Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by one brother, Bernard Zabek.

Survivors, besides his wife of 19 years, include two sons, Christopher and Brian Zabek of Porter Corners; one daughter, Caitlyn Zabek of Porter Corners; one brother, Matthew Zabek and his wife, Elenor, of Gainesville, Fla.; two sisters, Jane Large and her husband, James, of Bow, N.H., and Ceil Quinlan and her husband, James, of Clifton Park; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

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