Obituary of Chester C. Lukas

Chester C. Lukas, 90, of East Hampton passed away on May 6th, 2022 at Glastonbury Health Care Center, surrounded by his family. Chet was born in Norwich on December 9th, 1931 to the late Joseph and Caroline (Zaborowski) Lukaszewicz. Chet graduated from Norwich Free Academy and the University of Connecticut, and earned his masters degree in meteorology at Penn State University. 

Chet was married to Patricia “Pat” Moffat for 35 years until her death in 1988, and to Margaret “Peggy” Plutko for 18 years until her death in 2011. Chet was also predeceased by his older brothers Joseph Lukaszewicz, Alexander Lukas and Raymond Lukas.

At his retirement as full colonel, after 26 years active duty as a US Air Force meteorologist, Chet was awarded the Legion of Merit. The highlight of his career was playing a key role in early planning efforts to use Doppler radar in military weather forecasting.

Chet’s passions were golfing and collecting stamps. His greatest love was watching his grandchildren grow up. Visits with his young great-grandchildren were a special blessing.

Left to cherish his memory are his twin children, Margaret “Katie” Bonham (husband David) and Dr. Jeffrey Lukas (wife Lauren); grandchildren Natalie Litzau (husband Tim), Marilyn Bonham (husband 1st Lt. Allen Morris), William Lukas (partner Darin Ripp), Stephen Lukas, Owen Lukas, and Riley Pylant (granddaughter of Peggy and Chet); and, great-grandchildren Landon, Trent and Fletcher Litzau.  

We are most grateful to everyone at Rossini’s Italian Restaurant in East Hampton for their love of Chet, and to the caregivers at Glastonbury Health Care Center for their heartfelt care of Chester during his last weeks.

Visitation with family is from 10 AM to 11 AM on Thursday May, 12th 2022 at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury. Funeral service is at 11 AM at the funeral home, followed by burial with full military honors at East Cemetery in Manchester.    

Chet gave generously to many charities over the years. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice and think of Chet. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com