Eugene (Gene) Chikowski, 94, of West Pittston passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023. He had been in the care of United Methodist Home, Wesley Village Campus, for the past six weeks due to deteriorating health. During this time, he enjoyed visits and calls from his children and grandchildren.
He was born and raised in Duryea, the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Szumski) Chikowski. Gene graduated from Duryea High School and then enrolled and graduated from Penn State University, Extension campus. Subsequently, he was recruited as an Officer into the Army Air Corps at the start of the Korean War where he helped design front line landing runways and logistics for aircraft. Upon his return, he married his high school sweetheart, Regina (Jean) Repasky and they moved to Buffalo, NY where he continued his education at the University of Buffalo.
Gene had a long and successful career as a registered architect that began at Valverde & Franco Architects, then moving to Burns & Lowe Architectural firm. He also taught drafting and architecture at multiple Penn State University extension campuses. He then opened his own firm, Chikowski Architectural located in Avoca, PA, doing work across six states on the east coast. His wife, Jean, provided leadership to the front office and often travelled with him to various sites. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, hobbies that were filled with friends and camaraderie. He was also a 4th degree life member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the VFW in Duryea.
Eugene is survived by his three children, Debbie (West Pittston, PA), Mary Joan (Joe Denisco, Harleysville, PA), and Eugene (Ann Marie, Media, PA). He believed that higher education was essential and would quickly launch into his children’s various educational and career accomplishments. And, if he still had your attention, he would roll right into the three grandchildren he was blessed with; talking proudly about them, as well as their educational and career accomplishments Emily Denisco (Flourtown, PA); Amanda Chikowski (Philadelphia, PA) and David Chikowski (Milwaukee, WI). These grandchildren brought enormous joy and pride into his life and that happiness extended to the wonderful grand 'fur baby' pets that also became family members. He is also survived by his brother Joseph (North Arlington, NJ), his sister-in-law, Patricia (Claude Spohrer, Scranton, PA) and numerous nieces and nephews. His beloved wife, Jean, as well as his parents and an infant sister preceded him in death.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, at Corpus Christi Parish, Immaculate Conception Church at 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston where he was a parishioner and enjoyed the masses as well as the conversations with the ushers and other parishioners. Prior to Corpus Christi, he was a long-time parishioner at St. John the Evangelist, Pittston. His mass will be immediately followed by a lunch in his honor. Interment will be held privately at St. John's Cemetery, Duryea.
In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, donations in his memory can be sent to Corpus Christi Ministries – Social Concerns at Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston. This group provides a wonderful service of reaching out to the elderly and people in need within the community and Gene was often the recipient of hand delivered homemade soup, cookies, greeting cards, and most importantly, friendly conversation, which he always spoke highly of and greatly appreciated.