John E. Chesonis

John E. “Jack” Chesonis, 83, of Minersville, Pennsylvania, passed away January 21, 2026, after a courageous 13-month battle with pancreatic cancer. During that time, he lived with his sister, Ann Chesonis Felty, surrounded by the love and care of family.

Jack was a 1960 graduate of Minersville Area High School. He attended Penn State Schuylkill for two years where he participated in the ROTC program out of Indiantown Gap before continuing his studies in electrical engineering at Penn State’s main campus.

He proudly served four years in the United States Army, including 18 months in Vietnam working in the Intelligence Program where he studied Russian and analyzed intelligence documents. He also served 18 months in Germany before completing his service at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Following his honorable discharge, Jack worked as an electrical engineer for Otis Elevator in Philadelphia and later for General Elevator in Baltimore. He eventually returned home to Minersville and spent his final working years in the mechanical division at Reese’s in Hershey.

Jack was a proud veteran and member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling, and listening to music.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. Chesonis and Anna T. (Burnavage) Chesonis; his brother, Albert C. Chesonis; and his brother-in-law, Alan H. Felty.

He is survived by his sister, Ann (Chesonis) Felty; his nieces, Trista L. Felty Tsang and husband Daniel and their children Raya, Della, Lenna, and Larkin; and Kayla L. Felty and fiancé Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and their children Jaxon and Jett; along with his sister-in-law, Susan Chesonis.

Jack was a devoted family man and a gentle, caring presence in the lives of those he loved. To his nieces he was like a second father, always present for life’s biggest milestones and its smallest everyday moments. He rarely missed a sporting event, recital, graduation, birthday, or awards ceremony while they were growing up, and in recent years took great pride in cheering on Jaxon (Crash) and Jett at their own sporting events.

Jack was deeply proud of his military service and wished to be buried at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. His private burial will take place there this spring. Donald Butler Funeral Home, Minersville, is in charge of his services.

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