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Chester J. Risker

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Licensed pilot still rode motorcycle at 85

Chester J. Risker, 92, of Elizabeth Township, died Tuesday, January 21, 2014.

He was born May 21, 1921, in West Newton. He was a son of the late George and Laura Curry Risker and husband of the late Ethel L. Maurer Risker, who died August 14, 2007.

Mr. Risker was a retired motor inspector and electrician for the former U.S. Steel National Tube Works. He was a member of F&AM Blythe Lodge 593 in West Newton, Elizabeth Veterans of Foreign Wars, Southpointe Marcellus Shale Chamber of Commerce and Honda Gold Wing Club. He rode his motorcycle until he was 85 years old.

A World War II veteran, he was inducted into the U.S. Air Force as an airplane mechanic and then transferred to the Army during the Battle of the Bulge. He received numerous medals including Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and American Campaign Medal.

He was the first of three generations of licensed airplane pilots, which includes his son, Dale, and grandson, Cody.

Surviving are sons Chester G. “Butch” (Vicki) Risker of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Dale W. (Deborah) Risker of Joffre; grandchildren Scott Risker of Forward Township, Chad Risker of Cedar Key, Fla., Blake Risker of West Chester and Cody Risker of Olmsted Falls, Ohio; great-grandsons Joshua, Trey and Colton; a sister-in-law, Daryl Risker of West Newton; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sisters Betty Belser, Joan Messner and Gladys Kane, and a brother, Norman Risker.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. A service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 25, in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Dennis Handley, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in West Newton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1101 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Condolences may be made at www.gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

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