SALEM- Chester F. Konopka, Jr, age 43, of Essex, formerly of Salem, died Sunday evening, February 20, 2005 at the Beverly Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born in Salem, he was the son of Czeslawa “Jessie” (Bachry) Konopka, of Newton, New Hampshire, formerly of Salem, and the late Chester F. Konopka, Sr.
He was the owner of Northeast Woodworking in Salem, where he specialized in custom made cabinets and furniture.
A resident of Salem until moving to Essex about eight years ago, he attended St. John The Baptist Grammar School and was a graduate of Salem High School. He also graduated from North Bennett Street School in Boston, for cabinet and furniture making. He was a former member of the Palmer Cove Yacht Club, Salem.
Besides his mother, he is survived by one sister, Geraldine “Gerri” Konopka of Newton, New Hampshire, a dear friend, Cheryl Munroe of Beverly, one niece, Roxanne Spring of Bangor, Maine, three nephews, Eric L’Italien of Gloucester, James C. Beaulieu of Bangor, Maine, John E. Beaulieu, Jr., of Lynn, five great nieces and nephews, Kayla Spring, Laura Spring and Riley Spring of Bangor, Maine, Alexis Beaulieu and John E. Beaulieu, III, of Lynn and several cousins. He was predeceased by one sister, Karen A. Beaulieu.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2005 at 9 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 am at the St. John the Baptist Church, Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Wednesday, 4 to 8 pm. Burial is in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to the National Kidney Foundation, 11 Vanderbilt Ave., #105, Norwood, MA 02062. For guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.