Andrew R. Chastek, 81, of Pittsford, N.Y., formerly of Silver Springs, N.Y., passed away suddenly on February 24, 2025.
Andrew, known fondly as Pete, was born on February 17, 1944, to the late Andrew J. and Mary (Cody) Chastek. He was a 1962 graduate of Letchworth Central School, where he excelled as a three-sport varsity athlete in basketball, baseball, and football. His leadership and dedication were evident from an early age, earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout and later working with youth at Camp Sam Wood, where he inspired and mentored young campers.
Upon graduation, Pete pursued his passion for engineering, attending Alfred Tech and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He later went on to have a long and successful career before retiring from Xerox.
A devout Christian, Pete was deeply committed to his faith. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and actively involved in numerous parish activities at St. John of Rochester in Fairport, N.Y. His faith and generosity were guiding principles in his life, and he cherished the friendships he built through his church community.
Beyond his professional and spiritual life, Pete had a deep love for sports. An avid golfer, he relished an early morning round and frequently volunteered when the LPGA was in town. He was also a passionate supporter of Syracuse Basketball, often traveling to NCAA Final Four games to cheer on his favorite teams.
Pete and Rose Marie made their home in Pittsford, where they were beloved members of their community. Known for his kindness and willingness to help others, Pete was the unofficial “mayor” of the street, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand for neighbors in need.
Pete is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Rose Marie (Bracone) Chastek, as well as his sister, Andrea Thompson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved sisters, Rosemary Kremer-Hagen and Janet Callaro.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, N.Y. A Funeral Mass will be held on March 7, 2025, at 11 A.M. at St. John of Rochester, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY 14450.
For those who are unable to attend in person, Pete’s funeral mass will be live streamed online:
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John of Rochester, Fairport, N.Y., or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Comments
23 responses to “Chastek, Andrew “Pete””
I have known Pete since I was a kid, growing up in his neighborhood. He was always that kind of person who you always wanted to be around. I delivered his newspaper and when I lived abroad for so many years, I made a special visit to see him and his wife Rosey when I came home to visit my parents. I am deeply saddened by hearing of his passing. When I heard the sad news, I was in a state of shock, but nothing but fond memories of him came to mind and he and his wife have been on my mind almost every second since. My condolences to the family. Pete will be missed.
Andrew Wimer
Dear Rose Marie, We are so sorry for your loss. Sure gonna miss our Mayor and his always upbeat and forever friendly persona on “The Run”. Pete was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by everyone.
So sorry Rosie, We’ll have to get the white smoke out for Pope Peter!! That was so many years ago. We’ll keep you in our prayers. You guys are a great couple and great firends.
As a brother Knight I always enjoyed Pete’s company. Always smiling, teasing and lending a hand. I called him “Peter the Great”… and that’s exactly who he was. Today we are desperately in need of solid role models – Pete filled that role for me and many others. I’m proud to count him as my friend, and saddened to have lost him too soon. Always the Christian gentleman.
Dear Rose Marie, I am so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. He was a big part of my life from kindergarten on. His wonderful humor and of course his love of Scottie’s endeared him to me even more. You are in thoughts and prayers.
Rose Marie, I am so sorry to read this. Pete was always a great guy. Fun and always had a smile on his face. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers and sympathies.
Lisa Laurro your former second grade student from
1973 and my family
We are so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. I ( George) have fond memories of sitting on the park roof “enjoying the outdoors”. It was always great seeing him every few years at the class reunions. Rosie, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter. He was a good friend from work and always remembered to send me a greeting on my birthday.
Rose Marie, was so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. He was such a fun classmate and good all around person. I remember fondly when there was a pizza party at my home after a ballgame and my Grandma, who was in a wheelchair had gone to bed to be out of the way she said and Peter called hello I into her room and also found a pair of my Dad’s coveralls hanging on a door and proceeded to try to get into the, while they were hanging on the door. My family had a chuckle about it the following morning. May the angels welcome him and may he shine his humor on them.
Rosemarie—so sad to hear about Pete. I’ll aways remember the good times on the basketball bus many years ago.
My thoughts and prayers are with you
How said it is to see Pete’s name in the Obituaries this morning. I knew something was up when I couldn’t get any responses from him the last couple of weeks. So many great memories of Pete and the rest of our lunch gang that I will always hold close in my heart. We’re spending the winter in Florida once again and it’s painful not to be able to celebrate his life with you Rose Marie. Art and Kathy Streb
Rose, just got word from Ann. Pete and I had a lot of fun together in school as I’m sure you two did too. I moved away and rarely ever go back. Living in Florida now. My thoughts are prayers are with you.
Rosie-
You and your little Scottie are in our thoughts and prayers. So many memories come flooding back: the black wig, the choir robe, weddings, euchre, howling at the moon, the temperamental MG, retirement parties and after open house “reviews”. And Pete of course was center stage, inciting pranks and tomfoolery at every turn. How we loved our Friday nights together! We never thought at the time, how dear these memories would be, like piling Igor’s lap full of all the groceries in your fridge! Truly best friends are forever. We wish you peace, dear friend.
Oh Rosie I am so sorry to hear about Pete. He died five years after Nick did on February 24. I will never forget all the good times we had in high school. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and will never forget Pete. God bless.
Dear Rosie, Donna and I send you our condolences on Pete’s passing. As former neighbors, we always looked for Pete and one of the Scotties any time we came back to Cullens Run. We so enjoyed seeing the both of you on our return trips. We will miss him, his friendship and one of our nicest connections to the street.
Rosie, my condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Janice Sherrill
Our family is so sad to lose Mr. Chastek- longtime neighbor of Brian’s family and a great neighbor to us as well. We loved running into him with Macdougal on walks, and he even drove our kids home one Halloween night after they stopped for Mrs. Chastek’s famous Halloween goodie bags. So selfless and kind. He is already missed.
Rosemarie,
My Dad, Chet Pisarek and your Pete worked together at Xerox. I met you both after my Mom’s passing at the Xerox Christmas parties. I will never forget Pete’s beautiful smile and your kindness towards my Dad and me. Honestly, I’ve thought of you both often as I care for the Christmas cactus that was meant for my Mom. I’m truly sorry for your loss! Pete was a wonderful man.
Sending much love,
Katie Pisarek-Stewart
Hi Rose Marie, we are so sorry to hear about Peter ‘s passing. Unfortunately, we are away for the winter so we won’t be able to make his service but would like to send our heartfelt condolences to you. We loved his great sense of humor and his passion for life. He will be missed by so many. Dave and Teresa Harris
I first met Pete at our weekly SJR Bible study meetings. When asked why he was so quiet, he replied “I just want to learn about Scripture from hearing what others have to say.” After that I called him, ‘Quiet Pete’. I will remember him as a kind, gentle person, and although he didn’t talk much, I will miss him at Bible study. Thank you, ‘Quiet Pete’, for the memories.
Bob Zagursky
‘What a wonderful man’
I’ve been Peter’s barber for over 40 years, which turned into a special friendship, with many golf outings, but most special is the group of guys that got to know each other with Friday morning haircuts at the barber shop- Pete , Gil , Paul, Mike &Fa.Leoi
This turned into , we call our road trip lunches , all over, near and far. From Letchworth St park to Auburn& Canandaigua , stopping at points of interest along the way. Peter was our driver, he always knew the way. Peter will be missed so much!
Pat Guisto- Gil Henner – Mike Arman- Paul Murphy- Fa. Leoi – Jerry Guisto
Rose Marie, I am so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. I will keep you in my prayers.