Obituary of Chester L. Matthews

Chester L. Matthews Sr., 95, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2017 at Ellis Hospital after a fall at home, where he lived independently.
He was born August 26, 1921 in Alplaus, NY, the only child of the late Chester W. and Isabel L. Matthews. 
Chet graduated from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School in 1940 and attended Union College. He was a graduate of GE’s Apprentice Program as a tool and die maker, retiring 42 years later as a GE shipyard liaison Engineer for the Navy nuclear submarine program.
He entered the US Navy in May 1944 serving with the aviation division during WW II and was honorably discharged March 1946. 
Chester was a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Schenectady Masonic Lodge 1174 as well as a member of Cyprus Shrine Temple.
Chet married Ann S. Matthews, his wife of 67 years, on May 14, 1944.  Ann passed away Dec. 26, 2011. They raised 4 sons and a daughter with love and enthusiasm.    Chet is survived by: Leon S. (Janice) of Springfield, OR. his children Scott, Neil, Christopher, Jessica.  Jeanne Jadwin, of Alplaus, her children, Jennifer Oropallo, Jill Gernand.  Chester Jr. (Kati), of Loudonville, their children Andrew, Kalley, Steven.  James A. (MaryBeth), of Colonie, their children Laura, Jamie.  John A. (Betsy), of Alplaus, their son, Bryan. He has 10 Great-grandchildren.
Chet had many passions in life which included aviation, house renovations, and boating with his family.  He earned his Commercial Pilots license in May 1946 which began a lifelong passion with all aspects of aviation. He passed this love of flying to his wife Ann, his flight navigator and copilot, and 4 children who also have their pilot licenses.  
On May 18, 1971 he stunned Northway I-87 motorists by landing his plane on the highway at exit 12 after an engine failure with his family on board.
After retirement, Chet and Ann spent winters at their home in Deerfield Beach, FL and summers at their lake house in Bolton Landing, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Dr, Glenville, New York or the Alplaus Fire Dept. Alplaus, NY.  
The funeral service for Chet will be Friday, June 2 at 1 PM at the Glenville Funeral Home, Glenridge Road, Glenville, NY.  Calling hours will begin at 11:00 AM, prior to the Funeral service.  Burial will follow the service at the Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY