St. Peter's Anglican Church
240 College St., Cobourg
St. Peter's Anglican Church
240 College St., Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Chester passed away peacefully in Cobourg, Ontario.
Raised in Port Hope Ontario, Chester farmed with his parents Walter and Emily Froncz in Osaca just north of Port Hope and then he went on to marry his high school sweetheart Diane (nee Scott) and is survived by her, his wife of nearly 63 yrs. They quickly made Cobourg their home and raised three children, Janette Froncz (Robert Winslow), Mark Froncz (Beth Kolisnyk), and Kristina Nairn (Peter Nairn). He was loved and cherished by his grandchildren Emily and Ben Nairn and Jakob Froncz and the dear brother-in-law to Gail Niebergall (her friend Bob), Bonnie & Ray McCool, Kim & John Burrett-Scott and they’ll dearly miss him.
Chester had an eye for surveying and at a young age he planned and designed many roads in the area working for the Counties. From there he moved on to be a civil engineering technician with Ontario Hydro at Darlington. Work he enjoyed for around 30 years and where he developed numerous, close friendships. Near the end of his hydro career he got into the construction safety field, established his own business "Froncz Safety Consultation Services" this involved travel around Ontario which he enjoyed.
Chester loved art and loved to draw and paint he was pretty good at it ...for a number of years he participated in the Cobourg Waterfront Festival Art Show - and even sold a few pieces. (this hobby was a real godsend during his later years dealing with Parkinson's.) However, many might say his real artistry was the way he’d effortlessly glide down a ski slope like a pro or the manner in which he quietly navigated creeks for elusive brown trout.
He was very much involved and often stressed the importance of brotherhood and community and was active in the Cobourg Kinsmen (and at one time the president) and later with St. Peter's Church of Cobourg (serving as church warden). He was also a history buff, always with a book on the go and he enjoyed live shows, performances in the city and the opera, and the 4th Line Theatre was of course especially dear to his heart. Chester was an outdoorsman and always seemed to be planning his next fishing or hunting trip. Hand in hand with this was the love he had for the many dogs he trained, loved and cared for.
When Diane and Chester weren't at the cottage, they’d be enjoying trips to Bermuda, England, etc and ski trips to BC, New York State and of course the numerous ones to Quebec. Chester was very active and even later on you'd see him cruising around town on his scooter.
A life well-lived, we loved him, we will continue to and we will miss him.
The family would dearly like to thank the amazing staff at the Cobourg Extendicare Long Term Care Home for their outstanding care and dedication to what they do. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Peter’s Church Cobourg or Parkinson’s Canada would be appreciated. There will be a memorial service for Chester at St. Peter's Church in Cobourg on Friday July 26th at 11am visitation from 10am to 11am, reception to follow in the Great Hall. Interment will be held at a later date at Knoxville cemetery.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Diane and family, My caring ,love and sincere sympathy to you all at this time. Chester will be missed by us all. Take care. Carol Lawrence
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Hello Diane We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Chester. Unfortunately , we were not able to attend the Celebration of life. I am very appreciative of Chester's kindness to Karen and his encouragement for her to continue to paint. We will have a special prayer for Chester when we return to our cottage and look at his paintings. I always enjoyed our chats and Chester's wit. We have made a memorial donation to St Peter's Blessings Karen and howard
Dear Diane and family, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I will miss seeing Chester. Thinking of you. Sincerely, Moira
Sending my sincere condolences to the Froncz family for your loss..Rest In Peace Chester
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
I would like to send my condolences to the Froncz family. I remember when my dad and Chester used to go fishing and hunting together. They used to go on ski trips together. Chester was always a kind and funny person. He will be missed immensely. RIP Chester and again Mark Diane Kristina and Janette I am so sorry for your loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Michele and I send our condolences to you Mark and the Froncz family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
My condolences to entire Froncz family. My mother, Mary Johnson wishes to extend her heartfelt sympathy to Diane and her children.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Chester will truly be missed by his American cousins. I remember the elementary school years when Chester and I were pen pals, writing letters to each other with news of what was happening in our families. Our visits to Canada were full of adventure on the farm in earlier years and visits with Diane and family in later years. He and my husband Joe also became very good friends over the years and loved talking Polish to each other. He will truly be missed by both of us. Love ❤️ to the whole family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Sincere condolences from our family to yours.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Kristina and family: My deepest condolences on the loss of your father.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
We remember Chester as being a very devoted dog lover. He was always so attentive to these companions, providing care to all their needs. Many times he would arrive at the veterinary clinic with the dog riding on his scooter. Chester so graciously gave us one of his painting depicting one of his dogs hunting in the woods. That artwork remained on our reception wall for many years for us to enjoy. Our sympathies go out to all the family.
Dear Diane, Jeanette, Rob, Mark, Beth, Kristina, Pete, Emily, Ben and Jakob...please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear husband, father and grampa! Chester was a man of many talents but he took the most pride in his family, especially his grandchildren...hugs to all❤️
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Chester was an inspiration to all. Please accept our condolences. Late June we met at the Lions Center pavilion Cobourg beach. There, about 30 of us from the Northumberland Parkinsons support group gathered for a beach party, along with Chester (Diane). It was a great day, Sun was shining bright, with a gentle breeze from the lake. Lots of laughter and smiles all round. Chester led the group with sa story or too. he will be missed
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Diane and family so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Mrs. Froncz, Janette, Mark, Kristina and extended family, my sincere condolences. A very long time ago, Mr. Froncz and the rest of you welcomed me into your home and you will always be family to me. Loss of any life is sad but I hope you all find the strength to celebrate Mr. Foncz's long, busy and interesting life and I will always remember his and your generosity.
Our thoughts are with all of you, Diane, Janette, Mark, Kristina and your families during this most difficult time. I have many great memories of Chester and the Froncz household throughout my life. May his memories bring you peace as it does me.
To Auntie Diane, Janette, Mark and Krisy although it has been many years that our families all enjoyed time together including camping and fishing. I know when we see each other and catch up it then seems like little time has passed. Uncle Chester and dad were best friends and fishing buddies their whole lives and we have always considered you family. We are very sad and will miss Uncle Chester greatly but hope him, dad and my mom are at a table having fun, enjoying each other’s company and watching down on all of us. Love you Karen and all the Mandryk’s
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
I am very sorry to hear of Chester's passing. I always enjoyed the times we spent with Chester & the family when we visited Cobourg and at the cottage many years ago. Chester was a kind and gentle soul, and a joy to be around. Thinking of you Diane, Janette, Mark & Kristina.
Dear Diane and family We are so sorry to hear of your loss.Sending you all big hugs and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers Our deepest sympathies
Our sincere condolences to Diane and Family. Chester was certainly a person who knew how to get the Most out of Life. I'm sure he and his Buddies are swapping fishing and hunting stories already. May he RIP. Allan and Debbie Elder
To Marc and Beth So sorry for the loss of your Dad and father in law Steve and Marlene Cole
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Dear Diane, my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family Nellie
Diane, Mark, Kristina and the entire Fronz family. Although I didn't know Chester personally, I was impressed with what he did during his lifetime. What a remarkable individual! Cherish the many memories you made with Chester and share them often. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sincere condolences to all. Chester Froncz April 30, 1940 - July 12, 2024 ~ REST IN PEACE ~
Very sad news about a very good friend from 1969. The Kinsmen facilitated the friendship which I cherished. My wife and I and subsequently our children were accepted by the Froncz family almost as kin. So very many great years together, even though we moved to Toronto. Forever grateful, especially to Diane and the children who always welcomed us. I know Chester took his easel and paint brushes to heaven.
Diane and family, we are so sorry to hear of Chester’s passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Dear Diane,Jeanette,Mark and Christina Pat and I were very saddened to hear of Chester’s passing. Although many years have passed since we saw you last the memories of our times together will never be forgotten. Love Steve and Pat
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Diane, Janette,Mark, Kristina and families. Thinking of you all Have great memories of our Kinsmen years. Hugs.
Mark and family, so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you all during this most difficult time.
He was an avid outdoorsman. Taught me duck hunting at an early age. And I now have two of his remarkable paintings to remind me those times. Then he provided a summer job that channeled me into a life-long career. Thank you Chester.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Diane, I was deeply saddened when I learned of Chester’s passing. He spoke with me when I first received my Parkinson’s diagnosis and his words and friendship meant so much to me. I will always remember his wonderful way of looking at life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find strength and peace in the love and support of those around you.
Dear Kristina and family, Thinking of you and sending our sincere condolences. Take good care.
I would like to send my condolences to the family, may he rest in peace.
To Mark, Beth, Jakob and families, I send my sympathies. I hope your memories will be of some help in the days ahead and soon you will be able to smile as you remember him with love.
Sorry Dianne and family for you loss. Knew Chester from the Kinmen Club of Cobourg.
So sorry for your loss, Mark and family. I remember many times listening to your dad at John the Barber's as he and John "kibittzed" and your dad would tell the best stories. Remembering your dad will hopefully make things easier in the times ahead.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Chester and I shared many fishing, hunting and Kinsmen events together. A life well lived while sharing his sometimes impish smile while regaling us with stories- most of which we believed to be true. Love to you and all your family, old friend
So sorry for your loss Dianne and family.Been a while since I did some work for you and Chester,have one of his paintings hanging in our rec room. RIP Chester.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Diane, So sorry for your great loss. Chester was a kind and thoughtful friend. May beautiful memories bring solace to you and your family.
Dianne, I am so sorry to hear of Chester's passing. I have many good memories of you and Chester in our Kinsmen days. Sincere condolences to you and your family. Mhora
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Dear Diane and family ; I was saddened to hear of Chester’s passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Diane and family; We are so sorry to learn of Chester’s passing. We have so many great memories of him mostly at church but also serving as ‘ Outer’s club’ supervisors on Cobourg West canoe trips. On tough portages in hot weather a canoe on his shoulders, he would always say, “There better be a Legion over that next hill.” He had a great sense of humour and was a good, kind person. RIP Chester. The Dalgarno family.
We are so sorry at the passing of Chester. We knew him for decades as he was a very dear friend of my father, Canon Terry Tarleton. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Diane, Jeanette, Mark, Kristina, and families, we are so very sorry for your loss. Chester will be missed very much! So many great memories of Jane Street, living next door… keep your memories close and they will help you through the difficult time ahead! Love and prayers to all!
Mrs. Froncz, Janette, Mark, Kristina and families, I was so sorry to hear of Chester's passing. It doesn't seem like that long ago that we lived around the corner from each other and spent our days running around the neighborhood. May your cherished memories help you to make it through the difficult times. Thinking of you all, Merna
Well put, a life well lived. I’m sorry for your loss. Chester will be missed.
What kind words you wrote about your father . He was obviously an inspiration to you all . I’m so glad I met him , and had the pleasure of caring for him at Extendicare . He had a big personality and charisma and will be missed by residents and staff . I’m sending you love and support in this difficult time . RIP Chester 💝
My sincere condolences to Diane and family. I had the pleasure many years ago working for Chester on his survey crew as summer student. Great memories. Mike Rostetter
Dear Diane and family. So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you.
To the Froncz family. My condolences on your loss. Chester was my supervisor at the Counties for three summers. He was fair, positive, clear with instructions. He was a good mentor for the student survey crew. A good man who will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Kristina, Peter, Emily and Ben so sorry to hear of your dad and grandpa,s passing. Take comfort in knowing that he is at peace and his suffering is over. Please accept my deepest sympathy at this sad time. Hugs to you all. Helen Ann.
Diane and family, I am so sorry to hear of Chester's passing, my sincere condolences. Marlene
Chester has always been one of my favourite people and one of my favourite artists. His paintings hold a very special place in my home and I often tell my guests about him when they admire his work. Will and Jordy have very fond memories of being wakened in the early hours of the morning to go fishing with Chester at the cottage. Hugs to everyone and see you next week.
Dear Diane and family. My deepest sympathy on the passing of Chester. Loved seeing him at the Waterfront Festival for many years and in the bank where I worked. Hugs Diane. Therese & Barry
So sorry, Diane, and kids for your tremendous loss. He had a great active life up until his Parkinson’s took hold. We will remember him with fondness and feel happiness at having known him. Sorry I can not attend his service as I am out of town on vacation. Know I am thinking of all of you today and on the 26 th. God bless.❤️❤️
Mark, Sending my condolences to you and your family
Dear Froncz familySm so sorry to hear of Chester's passing although I knew Diane for many years as nursing colleagues I only met Chester recently and have to say how I enjoyed our early morning coffee and occasional liver treats I shall look at my most wonderful bird painting and think of him and your family Blessings to you all I'm sure you will have many happy memories love and prayers Mae
Dear Diane and Family - With my sincere sympathy on Chester’s passing. He was such a wonderful person and I enjoyed working with him as a Board Member at St. Peter’s Court. He will be missed by all who knew him. Maybe the happy memories of his life help with the sadness of his passing.
Diane, Frank and I are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts go out to you and your family at this time. Hugs Christine and Frank
Oh this makes me sad. I didn’t know Chester for very long, but I am grateful for every day that I did. Funny, charming, smart, kind and saucy! He made me smile. A good human! No finer compliment to my mind. A good human. Truly. A good man. Rest well friend.
Remember fondly the days at Merwin Greer and am sorry for your loss.
Mark & family, you have my condolences. May he RIP
Diane, we are so sorry to learn of Chester’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bonnie, Daisy and Harry.
Diane , We are so sorry to hear of Chester`s passing. We have many good memories of you and |Chester in our Kinsmen days Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Diane, Janette, Mark, Kristina and families - Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. We have many great memories of fun times spent with Chester and Diane - camping, skiing, fishing, etc. Treasure the memories. Hugs, Barb & George
Diane and family, we are saddened to hear of Chester’s passing. We always enjoyed our visits with both of you. Chester was such a kind, talented man with a wonderful sense of humour. Dennis and Marcy Whelan.
Diane, Janette, Mark, Kristina families. We were saddened to hear of our dear friend, Chester’s death. We have many happy memories of good times on the ski slopes, boat racing and dinner parties. Chester never changed even when he developed Parkinson’s…he had a quick wit and a great sense of humour. He will be solely missed by many. The Wallace Family
I am saddened by the loss of such a talented, kind and gentle man. Chester and Bill can enjoy Tai Chi again together. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Daphne XO
Dear Diane, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Memories of Ron and Chester at different classes, church etc. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Sincerely Linda F.
Mark, Diane, Janette , Kristina and families: Condolences on the passing of your Dad / Husband. Doug Mann