Chester “Chet” Talenda, 80, of Beaumont, Texas, was born on January 13, 1932, in Northampton, Massachusetts. He went home to be with Jesus on April 27, 2012, surrounded by his family. 

Chet was a beloved husband, devoted father of four and grandfather of nine. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Chet was a Mayo Clinic trained Anesthetist and treated patients at Park Place Hospital in Port Arthur and Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. In the 1970’s he and his wife sponsored several families as they fled from Vietnam and resettled in America. Chet was an honest man, respected and admired by all who knew him. He gave freely of himself to help anyone in need. Chet will be greatly missed.

Chet is survived by the jewel of his life, his wife of fifty-two years, Carol; daughters, Valerie Talenda of Beaumont, Karen Merlet and son-in-law, Chad of South Riding, Virginia, Maria Miller and son-in-law, Mark of Helotes, Texas; and son, Joseph Talenda of Beaumont; grandchildren, Megan and Anna Sachitano and Joshua, Alissa, Nicholas, Julia, Jacob, Nathan and Aaron Merlet; and his sister, Genevieve Berkowicz of Massachusetts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Emelia Talenda; and his brothers Mitchell, Charles, Walter and Edward Talenda.

A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 29, 2012, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Chapel, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 30, 2012, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Chapel. A graveside service will be at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, will be announced at a later date, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.