Chester J. Yackowski

TEMPLETON- Chester J. Yackowski, 91, of Templeton, died Thursday, October 29, in his home, after a brief illness. He was born March 29, 1924, in Otter River, son of the late Stanley and Antonia (Bogdanski) Yackowski. He graduated from Templeton High School in 1942. Shortly after graduating from high school, he and a friend enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his training at Great Lakes Naval Base, he traveled by ship to the Pacific Theater where he served on a PT Boat, Squadron 31 during World War II. He remained active with the PT Boat Association throughout his life. Mr Yackowski worked at Collier-Keyworth Company as a machinist for many years before his retirement. Mr. Yackowski was an outstanding baseball player playing for the Boston Braves AA Affiliate as their pitcher and prior to that he played for several years in the Maine Baseball League. He enjoyed hunting with his brother, Alexander, traveling, and was an avid sports fan. He met his wife, Pola, at her sister Helen’s wedding where they were both attendants. They married in 1952 at St. Joseph’s Church in Gardner. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Pola (Pszczolkowski) Yackowski; his daughter, Paula Hume and her husband, Michael of Orange; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Alexander Yackowski, and his sisters, Jane Lis, Hannah Given, and Stella Prevost. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 2, at 11:30 am in St. Martin Church, 248 State Rd., Baldwinville. Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. Calling hours will precede the funeral Monday, November 2, from 9:30 to 11:00 am in Poliks Funeral Home, 431 Pleasant St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.