Obituary of Chester B. Erskine

CANISTEO: Chester B. “Chet” Erskine, 87, of Ste. Rte. 36 passed away Friday afternoon January 28, 2022 at St. James Hospital following an extended illness. Chet was born October 16, 1934 in North Hornell to the late Howard and Esther (Rice) Erskine. On July 3, 1954 in Halletsville (Canisteo) he married the former Bonalee “Bonnie” Campbell who survives and resides in Canisteo. Chet was a life-long resident of the Canisteo Valley. He worked as a machinist for 37 years at the Ingersoll/Dresser Rand Company in Painted Post, retiring in 1998. He was a member of the West Jasper Wesleyan Church, and loved to fish, but most of all enjoyed the company of his family and friends. In addition to his wife Bonnie, Chet is survived by a son Randy (Deborah) Erskine of Greenville, Pa, a daughter, Charlotte Erskine of Canisteo. three grandchildren: Stephanie (Joshua) Balance, Kelly and Olivia Erskine, son-in-law Jack Horn of Maryland. He is also survived by three brothers, Lester (Janice) Erskine of Canisteo, John (Linda) Erskine of Mt. Dora, FL and Howard (Jean) Erskine of Eustis, FL, one sister Joyce Karns of Arkport and several nieces and nephews. Chet was predeceased by a daughter Colleen Horn, and three sisters, Marie Pettys, Mary Jean Grow and Joan McCormick. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Thursday, February 3rd at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo, where funeral and committal services will take place immediately following calling hours at 7:00 pm. Burial will be in Gully Cemetery in the town of Greenwood. Memorial contributions in Chet’s name may be made to the West Jasper Wesleyan Church, 2619 Cty. Rte. 31 Greenwood, NY 14839.