Chester Lenda, age 70, of Rome, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 14, 2016. He was a hard working family man who loved to laugh.

He was born December 7, 1945, in Poland, the son of Stanley and Rose Lenda. He came to the United States in 1969 after marrying Helen Koziarz. They remained happily married for over 47 years. He worked for many years at Rome Cable Corp, and later retired from Rome Strip Steel in 2008. He was a member of the Transfiguration Church.

Chester’s life revolved around his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved cutting his own firewood, the outdoors, and was an avid gardener.

Chester is survived by his wife, Helen; a son and daughter in law, Michael and Teresa Lenda of Rome; three daughters and sons in law, Diane and Robert Foley of Rome, Debbie and Andy Herber of Manlius, and Amy and Ben Deschaine of Southborough, MA; cherished grandchildren, Dylan, Nadia, Lily, Ella, Sam, Josh, Max, Charlie and Alex; close brothers- and sisters-in-law; several nephews and nieces; as well as family in Poland.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Transfiguration. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery in the spring.

Relatives and friends may call at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Wednesday 4 to 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of a special niece to the REACH Organization. A charity focused on finding a cure for Hydrocephalus. http://www.reachorg.org