John Chester Dembek

John Chester Dembek, 66, of Templeton, MA died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 8, 2018. John was born in Gardner, MA on February 3, 1952, the son of the late Chester and the late Amelia (Merkel) Dembek. John grew up in Templeton and graduated in 1970 from Narragansett Regional High School, where was a star athlete, excelling in basketball, soccer and track. He went on to play basketball at Providence College, one of the country’s top Division 1 basketball programs at the time, and graduated with a degree in political science in 1974. He later received a master’s degree in education from Fitchburg State College. In 1976 he married Linda (Prinn) Dembek, and together they raised two children, Summer and Joshua, in Templeton. Nothing brought John more joy than spending time with his children and delighting in all their accomplishments. Over the years John held a variety of professional positions, from working at Drew Construction, to teaching at St. Anne's School in Methuen, to sales and management roles at Grossman’s and Moore’s Lumber. Most recently he launched Checker Consulting and worked with local builders on architectural projects. He had a passion for sports, reading, cooking and baking, and was a true craftsman, often building beautiful furniture for those he loved. He also was a member of a senior bowling league. John is survived by his daughter Summer, her husband Raymond Latif and his most beloved granddaughter Celine, of Brookline, MA; his son Joshua Dembek of Gardner, and his forever friend, Linda. He also leaves one sister, Mary Polchlopek and her husband Michael of Templeton, and two brothers, Francis Dembek of Templeton and Michael Dembek of Templeton. He is also survived by his nephew and niece, and many dear cousins and extended family. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Church, 26 Lake Ave., East Templeton, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks- A Mack Family Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.