Chesna-Bernard "Bernie" of Alden, NY passed away July 4, 2026 at the age of 101.  Beloved husband of the late Maryann (nee Rudnik) Chesna for 52 years.  Loving father of William (Ann Specyal) Chesna, David (Mary) Chesna, Mary (Jeff) Cherry, Ann (Jeff) Gorski and the late Deborah (Thomas) Horst and the late Joseph (Jamie) Chesna; loving grandfather of nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; dear longtime friend of Alvina Cometto.

No prior visitation.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John's RC Church, 2021 Sandridge Rd., Alden on Monday, July 20th at 10 AM.

Bernie was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1925.  After high school he served in the US Army for four years as a combat Veteran of WWII.  He was positioned in the South Pacific Theater as a Communications Technician and Forward Observer, achieving rank of Sergeant.  Upon returning home, he married his childhood sweetheart, Army Corp nurse Maryann.  Together they moved to Western New York and hand built their own home in Alden, where they raised six children.

Bernie worked several years as a truck driver and mechanic for various employers.  He ultimately achieved title of maintenance supervisor for Red Star Express of Auburn/Buffalo.  After retiring Bernie earned his pilot license.  He loved working on and flying his small aircraft.

Bernie was a lifelong musician who began playing guitar and singing on the radio in Wilkes-Barre at the age of fourteen.  Bernie was one of the original directors of the Western New York Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association and remained quite active in the organization.

Bernie also loved tinkering and driving his antique tractors creating and maintaining many trails on his beautiful property.  Arrangements by the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME.  Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc.