Thursday, January 26, 2017

RIP Chester



We just heard that Chester, the longtime grill man at the Stage on Second Avenue, died yesterday.

Roman Diakun, who owned the Stage for 35 years up until its closure in March 2015, shared the news.

We don't know too much about Chester's family or background. A few health-related issues caused him to retire several years ago.

We'll update when we hear any further information.

This from the Stage Facebook page:

It is with a heavy heart that we deliver the sad news that Chester Kawalec (our grillman) has passed away yesterday. The viewing will be at Arthur's Funeral Home on Friday Jan.27th, 2017 between 6 and 9pm, located at 207 Nassau Avenue in Brooklyn. R.I.P.

H/T Sheila Rothenberg
at

14 comments:

  1. 2ndAveSilverPantherJanuary 26, 2017 at 1:17 PM

    He was a good man. RIP, and long-live our memory of The Stage.

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  2. Laura Goggin PhotographyJanuary 26, 2017 at 2:20 PM

    Just when I thought the news of the day couldn't get any worse. This is so sad. I was a regular customer and tried to go in during Chester's shift as he made the best fried potatoes. I was concerned when he had to stop working, then heartbroken when the Stage was forced to close. My condolences to Chester's and the whole Stage family.

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  3. MartyJanuary 26, 2017 at 2:21 PM

    Great guy. Loved to watch him cook up our eggs and potatoes. Hope he doesn't have to work as hard or has a bigger workspace in the next life! RIP!

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  4. GojiraJanuary 26, 2017 at 2:34 PM

    Aw damn.

    Rest well, Chester.

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2017 at 3:03 PM

    RIP, Chester. You will be missed.

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2017 at 4:14 PM

    I used to go there all of the time... so sad. I loved watching him cook, it was a ballet between him and Roman and the other employees. He was reserved but such a good man. Please: my condolences to his family and friends.

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  7. SammyJanuary 26, 2017 at 4:20 PM

    Very sad news...RIP

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  8. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2017 at 4:55 PM

    He was the best!

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  9. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2017 at 11:00 PM

    So sad. .rip Chester you are missed. Condolences to his family.

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2017 at 8:57 AM

    Thank you Chester for all the good times at the Stage!!! We heart you!!!<3! RIP friend to many.

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2017 at 9:05 AM

    My condolences to everyone who loved eating there and to the Stage family.

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  12. DottieJanuary 27, 2017 at 9:21 AM

    RIP dear kind soul.

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2017 at 9:21 AM

    chester was a wonderful person and a terrific cook. condolences to his family, roman, and everyone at the stage.

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  14. onemorefoldedsunsetJanuary 27, 2017 at 4:47 PM

    So sorry to hear this. RIP.

    ReplyDelete

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