Chester F. O'Hala

Chester F. O'Hala, 81, of Southington,CT passed away peacefully on Saturday July 7, 2012 surrounded by his family. He had been the loving husband of Alice (Barbier) O'Hala for 60 years. Born on December 23, 1930, in Plantsville, CT to the late Joseph and Mary (Folcik) O'Hala, he had been a lifelong Southington resident.

Chet proudly served in the Navy during the Korean War. He began working at Taylor's Market in Plantsville as a teenager. Chet later purchased the business with his partner, Mert Taylor and opened up O'Hala and Taylor's Market.

He played trumpet and was a member of the Frank Wielgosz Band and spent many weekend nights with this very special group of friends. He was a member of the Polish Falcons Nest 307. He was an avid golfer, playing golf in the Polish Falcon and Brother Bills Golf Leagues for many years.

Chet was a volunteer fireman in the Plantsville Company #2 and rose to the rank of Captain. He served as a fireman for 47 years. Chet was a parishioner of St. Thomas Catholic Church. He loved UCONN basketball, Red Sox baseball, gardening and spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife Alice, Chet is survived by his 5 children and their spouses, Glen and Deb O'Hala, Marcia and Bob Riccio, Tom and Carol O'Hala, Sue and Larry Butler and Patty and John Crowley. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Chris, Ryan and Aaron O'Hala, Tim and Matt Riccio, Phoebe, Cam and Ian O'Hala, Keegan and Maddie Butler and Jamie and Jordan Crowley. His greatest joy recently was the arrival of his first great-grandchild, Ryan O'Hala, Jr. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses, Joseph O'Hala, Richard and Lois O'Hala, Margaret and David Crombie, sister-in-laws; Ruth Johnson and Doris Decker along with several nieces and nephews.

Donations in Chet's memory may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association at Connecticut Chapter/ APDA, 27 Allendale Dr., North Haven, CT 06473.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday July 10, 2012 at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St. Southington. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held on Monday July 9, 2012 from 4-7pm at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

Donations in Chet's memory may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association at Connecticut Chapter/ APDA, 27 Allendale Dr., North Haven, CT 06473.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday July 10, 2012 at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St. Southington. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held on Monday July 9, 2012 from 4-7pm at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville.