SCHENECTADY – Chester John Butkiewicz, 66, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, at St. Peter's Hospital. Born on September 15, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, Chester was the beloved son of the late Jozef and Luba (Boyko) Butkiewicz.

Chester is survived by his devoted wife, Stephanie Guzy Butkiewicz. He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter and Edward Butkiewicz. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Elizabeth Parker, Anna (John) Pickering, Lucy Villamil, Mary (Sal) Mazzela, Christine Santiago, and Theresa Galarza. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Christopher Guzy (Lei Cen); his sister-in-law, Carole (John) Borgerding; numerous nieces and nephews; and his lifelong friends, Nancy and Bob Fern, Mari Csemi, and many other cherished friends whose lives he touched.

Raised in a large family as the youngest of nine children, Chester spent his childhood in the Bronx, where he often reflected that growing up in New York City was an adventurous, challenging, and character-building experience. He appreciated the city's rich diversity and the many cultures that helped shape his outlook on life.

After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx, Chester earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York. He began his professional career with an accounting firm on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, working in the iconic Helmsley Building across from the former Pan Am Building.

Later, Chester relocated to the Capital Region to be closer to family and assist his aging parents. He continued his accounting career with an Albany accounting firm before joining the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance as an EDP Auditor. A Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Chester was an active member of ISACA and proudly served as president of the local chapter. He later accepted a position with the New York State Department of State, where he was promoted to Assistant Director of the Division of Cemeteries. Chester often enjoyed noting that his career had come full circle, having spent his professional life working in the two certainties of life—death and taxes.

Chester was deeply grateful for both of his careers and for the many colleagues and lasting friendships he made along the way. Retirement brought him great happiness, especially the opportunity to enjoy life with his beloved wife, Stephanie, whom he first met while they were both employed by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Chester will be remembered for his intelligence, dedication, quiet wit, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and profession. His legacy of kindness, integrity, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Services will take place on Thursday, July 16th, 2026 all at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 2416 7th Ave, Watervliet, NY. Visitation to be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed immediately by the funeral mass at 11:00 AM and burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Rotterdam.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are asked to be made to an animal shelter of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the care of The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For additional info or to express a sentiment of condolence, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.