Worcester- Ernest A.R. Chester, 87, of Worcester and formerly of Auburn died Saturday January 28, 2017 at Webster Manor Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. He was born and raised in Boxborough, the son of the late Kenneth and Loretta (Reed) Chester and was a graduate of Boxborough Academy Class of 1947. Ernest (Ernie) moved to Auburn in 1955 where he raised his family.

Ernie was a member of the 82nd airborne. He was a professional boxer for several years. He began to use his culinary skills here in the Worcester area.  He was married in 1952 to Elinor F. Storms. He, along with his wife Elinor, ran a snack bar in the old Sears Catalog Store on main St in Worcester, during the 50’s.  He was a chef at many of the local restaurants, Howard Johnson, in Auburn, Treasure Island in Webster and the Paxton Inn in Paxton, MA. He was a member of the Local 140 chapter of the Teamsters.  He was a professional truck driver who drove for several of the local trucking companies such as James bury, A. Duey Pyle, and Dubrey trucking. After retiring he continued to drive taxi cab in the city of Worcester. 

He found joy in sharing his life stories and experiences from meeting and caring for others.  He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and all kinds of music.  He was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His love of people supported him to do the work of this ministry for more than 45 years.

Ernest leaves behind four daughters, Linore V. Dawson of Berwyn of PA, Lorna R. Prince of Charlton, Laurie A. Halpin of Auburn and Lita M. Killebrew of Worcester; a brother Kenneth Chester of Leominster; four sisters, Rosalie Hazard of FL, Barbara Dupee of GA, Ruby Wilson of Ayer and Evelyn Burgo of NY; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased his former wife, Elinor (Storms) Chester, by his son Ronald Chester of CT, a brother Theodore Chester of FL, and a sister Loretta Hamilton of Groton, MA.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM, Saturday February 18 at the Leicester Kingdom Hall of
Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3 Chapel Street, Leicester.  Burial with military honors will be held at Worcester County Memorial Park, at 10:30 AM prior to the Memorial service. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Worldwide Building Fund of Jehovah’s Witnesses, through the Leicester Congregation.   Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378
Lincoln Street, Marlborough. All are invited to sign Ernest’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.

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