Francis R. "Frank" Chesner

Olean- Francis R. “Frank” Chesner, of Promised Land Road, passed away peacefully on Friday (August 18, 2023) at the home he lived in for the past 52 years, where he and the love of his life, Mary, raised their five children.

Born December 17, 1934, in Olean, he was the son of the late L. Pascal and Barbara Nenno Chesner. On February 23, 1957, in St. John’s Church in Olean, he married Mary Jean Belli, who predeceased him on May 2, 2012.

Frank was a graduate of Olean High School, class of 1953.  He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He began his draftsman career at Clair Manufacturing and later retired from Olean Finishing Machine Company.

He was a former member of the Sacred Heart Oratory in Portville and a current parishioner of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean. He was the recipient of the St. Joseph the Worker Award. He was a longtime member of the Portville American Legion, Post 814.  Frank was also a member and past President of St. Vincent de Paul.  Frank enjoyed gardening and selling his blueberries with his wife at the local farmer’s market.

He is survived by five children; Karen (Bill) Weatherell of Olean, Ken (Sue) Chesner of Portville, Frank Chesner of Denver, CO., Kathy (Steve) Peterson of Portville, and Keven (Rachel) Chesner of Portville; ten grandchildren, Marisa Weatherell Glad, Jay Weatherell, Dustin Chesner, Luke Nash, Chelsea Chesner, Lindsey Peterson Kincaid, Lacey Peterson, Nicole Lamberton, and Shane Lamberton; his great-grandchildren, Ellie and Cora Kincaid, Riley and Ryder Glad, Raylee and Wade Chesner, Seth Chesner, Audree Lamberton, Aysen and Axten Dechane, Julious Young, and Braylynn and Levi Lamberton; two sisters, Connie Williams of Billerica, MA and Joreen Cornell of Olean; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Frank was predeceased by one brother, Donald Chesner.

Frank’s family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to Venture Forth and the caring staff that, with their assistance, Frank could stay in his home.  And they would like to thank his daughters-in-law, Rachel and Sue, for all their love, help, and support.

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main Street, Portville, on Thursday from 9-11 am. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 am at the Sacred Heart Oratory in Portville. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, with a full military service accorded by the Allegany American Legion.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 441 N. Union Street, Olean, NY 14760.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.