Plan for the Future
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Kenneth William Chmura, born on October 5, 1942 in Newark, NJ died suddenly from non-covid related reasons at the age of 77 on April 5, 2020 at home in Chatham, NJ. He enjoyed a full and active life as a man of service in all aspects of his life. Traveling, trips to Cape May with his family, spending time with his extended family, grilling, listening to music, volunteering, being a conservationist, doing interior painting, and fixing things made him happy. He was exceptionally giving and loved everyone in his own special way.
Born in Newark, educated at Seton Hall Prep, graduated from Seton Hall University and was then commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army stationed in Fort Sill, OK as an artillery officer. After his honorable discharge he traveled the country with his silver German Shepherd, “Sarge.” During his cross-county travels he fell in love with the Giant Redwoods of California and thus started a lifelong passion for travel, animals, and preservation of natural places. He worked in sales in Newark before starting his own company in Bloomfield, NJ. Ken’s entrepreneurial and service-oriented spirit kept him trying new business and employment ventures. He served as the Facilities Manager for St. Patrick Church and School in Chatham for nineteen years. In addition to serving his country, he served his community as a member of the Chatham Borough Shade Tree Commission, the Chatham Historical Society, and the man behind the camera for broadcasting the Chatham Borough Town Council meetings (“KENtertainment”). As a parishioner at St. Patrick’s church, he participated in several Youth Ministry trips to Appalachia. He served his friends and family in endless and countless ways of love and giving. He is fondly known around town as “Mr. Fix-it” and serves many local community members as a handyman.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Chmura and Maryann Alworth. Ken is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Susan (nee Banyasz), his two daughters Jennifer Chmura (Michael Orr) and Kristy Chmura-Musto, son-in-law, Damien Musto, his three sisters: Kathy Sarnecky (Joe), Eileen Devine (Pat), and Marilyn Melesky (Jay) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and two grand dogs, Cedar and Penny, who loved him unconditionally.
May his memory be for a blessing. He will be greatly missed by many.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 10 am at St. Patrick’s Church, Chatham, NJ. Interment to follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison, NJ.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Ken’s memory can be made to Arbor Day Foundation, 211 North 12th St. Lincoln, NE, 68508 or https://www.arborday.org/ (plant a tree for others) or the Chatham Emergency Squad, 31 North Passaic Ave. Chatham, NJ 07928 or https://www.chathamemergencysquad.org/. To send the family a condolence, please visit, www.bradletfuneralhomes.com.
