Anthony Frank Chesal

Anthony (Tony) Chesal, our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, has transitioned to a new life with God after a courageous and hard-fought battle with kidney cancer, on October 17, 2023.

Tony was born on January 26th, 1950 and grew up on Ryan Street, Scotchtown, Cape Breton, alongside his 5 dear brothers and sisters, Marie (Barry), Joe, Carl (Janet), Stan (Celeste), and Jane (Colin). He is pre-deceased by his beloved parents, Tony (1922-2014) and Vlasta Chesal (1923-2017).

His one true love and best friend was his wife of 49 years, Ellen. Together they shared a rich life, fueled by their faith, and filled with playful laughter and adoration. They fenced, danced, enjoyed camping, playing cards, and hosting family dinners. Together they proudly grew their family, which they deeply loved, including their 4 children, Leeann (Marc) St Clair, Pam Chesal, Eddie (Julia) Chesal, Tricia (Matt) Chesal; 7 Grandchildren, Kristina, Amber, Christopher, Mathew, Owen, Vince, and baby-on-the-way; 6 Great-Grandchildren, Danielle, Nathan, Carter, Cooper, Ayven and Sage, and grand-dog, River.

Tony was the true definition of a hard worker. He loved working with his hands, constantly fixing, building, and creating, a talent he inherited from his hero, his Father. He enjoyed a long career in electronics and later retired from a teaching position at Stadaconna in Halifax.

His fitness was always very important to him, and he would maintain a very strong physique through weightlifting his whole life. He loved his bike rides and walks in Laurie Park, and Summering in PEI with his family where he would stroll the ocean shores and soak in the salty waters. It was his true happy place.

He enjoyed his nightly, slightly competitive marble games with his family, although the friendly banter was never his strong suit with his truly kind demeanor. Christmas was a dear favorite, and the neighborhood could always look forward to the multi-colored glow of the Chesal house, the lights which he would laboriously hang even in his ailing health. “It just wouldn’t be Christmas without it”.

He was incredibly thoughtful, so much so that even in his last months with pain afflicting him, he arranged a surprise party for his daughter’s birthday, and was so pleased he succeeded in the surprise. Even in his last weeks he would continuously offer a helping hand while we packed and moved. He always wanted to help.

Forever giving of his time and talents, Tony was known by many for his generous spirit through his work in his church and his community. From leading the maintenance committee, to assisting whenever one was in need, Tony will forever be remembered as the one you could always count on.

Although his time on earth was cut short, Tony certainly made an everlasting impact which is evidenced by all who loved him. He taught us how to have a strong work ethic, how to give generously, how to live compassionately, and how to love deeply.

Rest easy, Dad. We know that Nanny and Grandad have saved a seat for you at their marble game. We’ll join you again soon.

We want to thank his cancer care team, Dr. Lori Wood, Dr. Ricardo Rendon, Dr. Abdullah Kareshi, his lovely palliative care nurse, Shannon, and all the wonderful nurses of 5A at the VG, Halifax for their care and support.

A funeral service will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 9 Jamieson Dr, Fall River, NS at 10:00am, October 21, 2023. In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Tony’s memory.