Chester A. Scerra

Richfield Springs - Mr. Chester A. "Chet" Scerra, Sr., 92, of Richfield Springs, formerly of Herkimer, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2014 in Albany Medical with his loving family by his side. He was born in Herkimer on November 3, 1921, the son of the late Dominick and Pauline Lombardi Scerra and he attended Herkimer schools. He was married to Anne Martellotti on August 8, 1942 in St. Anthony's Church by the Rev. Gustav Purficato. Anne passed away on February 6, 1985. He served during World War II with the US Army in the European Theater until his Honorable Discharge on July 17, 1945. He servied with the 390th Paratroop Battalion of the 98th Infantry Division assigned to the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the CIA, serving with Donavan's Devils. For his role in liberating Italy, he was awarded the Italian Cross of War Merit and was also awarded France's highest award the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honnneur for his contribution to their liberation. He was awarded the European, African and Middle Eastern Service Medal with Bronze Arrowhead and the Good Conduct Medal. In 2010, he was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame by Senator Seward. He was also the recipient of a Purple Heart for injuries sustained on February 8, 1944 in Italy. After the war, Chet purchased the Herkimer Bus Terminal. He worked for Central Steel and later Zaffarelli Construction, Long Island for many years. Chet and along with his wife, Anne were the owners and operators of Herkimer Bus Terminal and later Chet's Diner, Caroline St. Herkimer until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the OSS Society, VFW Post #4915, TR George Post and the Operating Engineers Union, Syracuse. He was a communicant of Sts. Anthony & Joseph Church and a member of it's Crusaders. Chet will always be remembered for his wonderful smile and his optimistic view on life. He always had nothing but good things to say about others and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. One of his greatest enjoyments was his time spent at Canadarago Lake relaxing by the water. Chester is survived by two sons and one daughter in law, Chester Jr. And Kathy Scerra of Webster and James Scerra of Saratoga Springs; two daughters, Paula and James Franco of Herkimer and Mary Ellen Scerra of Richfield Springs; fourteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters, Clara Bonfardeci and Theresa Bifora and one brother, August Tassa. His funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9:00 from the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home, 329 S. Washington St. Herkimer and at 9:30 in Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Mark Cunningham and assisted by Deacon James Bower. Entombment will be in the family mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday evening from 4-8 PM in the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home. Members of the VFW will meet Wednesday at 6:30 pm at the funeral home for services. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chet's memory may be made to LifeNet 7-2, 3966 State Rt. 30A, Fultonville, NY 12072. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Chet's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com