December 29, 1932 — December 23, 2023
Chester Stephen Ploszaj passed away on December 23, 2023. He was born on December 29, 1932, to Stanley and Helen in Hegewisch, Illinois, a neighborhood located in the southern part of the city of Chicago. While attending CVS (Chicago Vocational High School) in Chicago Ploszaj excelled in the sport of baseball. He was picked up by the Cardinals Minor League Baseball team and played second base and shortstop with the Georgia State League (GSL) in the 1951 and 1952 seasons. Chester had a .236 batting average, 107 hits, 101 runs, and 44 RBIs during the 1952 season. Chester’s baseball career was interrupted in December 1954 when he was drafted into the Army. He left for Korea where he was given a cook’s job until his superiors found out he played professional baseball. For the remainder of his service, and in addition to his cook’s job, he was asked to play baseball for the entertainment of the troops. Chester was discharged in February 1955. In March 1955, he attended a dance at the American Legion in Calumet City, IL, where he met Josephine Siatta. Wasting no time, he married Josephine, the love of his life, on November 26, 1955. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in 2023.
Chester and Josephine lived in a cottage near his in-laws until 1963 when they purchased their first home in Dolton, IL. During these next years, Chester attended night school and received an associate degree in accounting. Needing more space for a family, they built their next home in Calumet City in 1965 with the help of his father-in-law, Victor. They resided here and adopted two children. Maria, born in 1966, and Michael, born in 1968. Chester worked many jobs to support his family. In 1995 he retired from the water department in Calumet City and moved to Arizona with Josephine. They spent the last 28 years enjoying visits from their children, grandchildren, and family, as well as making and spending time with wonderful friends. Chester enjoyed playing golf whenever he could, as well as making Josephine happy. He affectionately referred to her as “The Queen” of their household.
Chester is survived by his wife Josephine, children Maria (Terry) and Michael (Bobbi), five grandchildren — Alex, Cortney, Gabrielle, Nicholas, and Joshua — two great grandchildren — Gavin and Jameson — and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Chester is predeceased by his sister Theresa Lukowski. Chester was a great storyteller and captivated his audience with his stories of the army and baseball. He is loved and will be remembered always.
A Funeral Mass will be said on January 3, 2024, at 10:00am at St. Steven’s Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Road, Sun Lakes, AZ, to be followed by a Burial at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ at 12:30pm.
