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Obituary for Chester "Chet" Urban

Chester “Chet” Urban, 94, passed away peacefully at home with loving family at his side on Wednesday, June 1st after a year-long period of declining health.

Chet married his beloved sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Evelyn (Brochu) and resided in Auburn for the last 49 years. He was born May 27, 1922 in Ware, MA and was one of 7 children of Martin and Helen (Czupryna) Urban. He attended Ware High School and enlisted in the Army at age 18. A member of 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning), Chet was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii at the time of 12/7/41 Pearl Harbor attack and then went on to serve in Guadalcanal, Vella Lavella and Luzon until June 1945. Medals and decorations include Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 bronze stars, Good Conduct, Philippine Liberation, American Defense Service, World War II Victory and Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medals. He was a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, 25th Infantry Division Association, Disabled American Vets, American Legion Post 435 and VFW Post 3657 (Worcester).

In April, Chet shared his personal story and will be part of a World War II Foundation documentary marking the 75th Pearl Harbor anniversary to be aired nationally by PBS in December. Thanks to the WWII Foundation for their determination to preserve and keep memories alive of those who served by reaching out to generations of today and tomorrow to tell their stories.

Since age 16, Chet worked on many construction projects including the Quabbin Reservoir and Massachusetts Turnpike. He had a keen business mind as a young man with a strong desire to own his own business. He first owned the Brothers Club in West Warren and then owned and operated the Ivy Cafe of Worcester for 34 years with his wife. At age 78, this place he loved was taken by eminent domain for the Route 146 Turnpike Interchange Project. Chet always said “forced” retirement “slowed him down” and often wished he was still working. Over the years, he faced many uphill personal battles including multiple surgeries, advanced colon cancer in 1997 and suffered a stroke last May. The family extends their gratitude to the entire Worcester VNA Hospice team for their remarkable care and compassion over the last three weeks.

Chet first and foremost cherished his wife, family and friendships. His life was full, his wit quick, conversation always engaging and “what you saw was what you got.” He strongly believed in mind over matter and education. He enjoyed simplicity, nature, a beautiful flower and vegetable garden, swimming, a long walk, music and sports. He had a passion for fishing, history and political debates. As a hobby, he owned thoroughbred horses over the years that raced at Suffolk and Scarborough Downs and other tracks including Blue Bonnets Raceway in Montreal. Chet and his wife returned to Hawaii three times and attended various military reunions. A few other special trips included 1973 Kentucky Derby when Secretariat won the Triple Crown, 2001 Disney family vacation and parasailing in Manzanillo, Mexico at a ripe old age while his wife watched in fear.

Besides his wife, Evelyn, he leaves his children, Chester of Worcester, Robert and Linda both of Auburn, four granddaughters, Melissa of Chicago, IL, Emily of Cranston, RI, Marilyn of Charlotte, NC, Jessica of Shrewsbury, two brothers, Theodore Urban of East Longmeadow, Frederick Urban (Edna) of Ware, sister Helen Marczyk (Theodore) of Indian Orchard and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brothers Joseph and Michael and sister Wanda.

Chet was a longtime supporter of the Jimmy Fund. In his memory, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift. Per Chet’s wishes, there are no calling hours. Family graveside services with military honors will be private with a Memorial Mass to be held at a later date

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