MONTAGUE CENTER- Chester E. Watroba, 81, of West Street died Saturday (6/16/12) at the Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. Chet was born in Montague City on June 9, 1931, the son of Frank and Veronica (Jarosz) Watroba.

He attended local schools in Montague and was a graduate of Turners Falls High School Class of 1950.

Chet was a businessman all of his life. He created his first store in the 1950s in Millers Falls, presently known as Carroll's Supermarket. He was also owner of the Montague Mini Mart for over 15 years. In 1960, he established Watroba's Market & Liquor in North Amherst, from which he retired in 2004.

He enjoyed the food and beverage business, real estate investments, sports and history. After his retirement, Chet missed his business and talking with his customers; customers missed him too.

Chet was predeceased by his son, Todd Watroba, and his brother John Watroba.

Besides his wife of 61 years, the former Marilyn Warsawski, Chet leaves ten children, Paul, John, Jeffrey, Nancy, Peter and his wife Kathy, Marilyn and her husband Scott, Chester, Jr., Robert and his wife Zonia, Stephanie and Hope Watroba, Twenty five grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, two brothers, Raymond Watroba of Windsor, CT, and Wallace Watroba of Easthampton, a sister-in-law Frances McMurray and her husband Walter of Madison, CT.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday (6/20) at 9:15 at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church 84 K St. inTurners Falls with the Rev. Charles J. DiMascola officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Calling hours will be Tuesday evening from 5-8pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 84 K St.,Turners Falls, MA 01376.