Obituary of Harry C. Chittester

Harry Claire Chittester, Jr., known to family and friends as "Chub", a resident of Wappingers Falls for more than 23 years and formerly of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, died peacefully at home on October 13, 2016 after a brief illness. He was 80 years old. Son of the late Harry C. and Jean (nee Botts) Chittester, he was born in Falls Creek, Pennsylvania on December 13, 1935. He graduated from DuBois High School in 1953 and then entered the United States Marine Corps. He served his country honorably in active military service for 21 years in both the US Marine Corps and the US Air Force. Harry retired from active duty in 1974. On July 27, 1996, he married Mary Ann Mikulsky in a beautiful back yard wedding at their home in Wappingers Falls. Mary Ann survives at home in Wappingers Falls. Harry is also survived by his aunt, Georgie Chittester of Falls Creek, PA; his four children, Michael K. Chittester, Craig Chittester (Marie), all of Mechanicsburg, PA, and Vicky Kapp (Denny) and Maureen Weiser (Steve) of Etters, PA; his eleven grandchildren and a growing number of great grandchildren. Harry is also survived by his mother-in-law, Anna Mikulsky; brothers-in-law, Daniel Mikulsky and Michael Martin; sisters-in-law, Grace Martin and Margaret Mikulsky; his former wife, Vera Fye; and many loving relatives and friends. Harry believed in God, country and family. He was an avid sportsman. He loved nature, the outdoors and enjoyed gardening. He was a master at the barbeque grill. Throughout his retirement Harry kept contact with a worldwide group of friends from his years in military service, as well as local people he met in the course of his day. People were attracted to his kindness, humor and quick wit. Harry is survived by his sisters, Judith Taylor and Mara Daffron. Harry was predeceased by his sister, Lana Baughan and his brother, Guy Chittester. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at Fishkill Rural Cemetery Community Mausoleum at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Harry's name to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, 55 Ryder Road, Ossining, NY 10562, Falls Creek Presbyterian Church, 220 Main Street, Falls Creek, PA 15840, or Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For directions or to leave a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.