John Joseph Chenchick

John J. Chenchick, age 99 of Emmett, died Friday, November 26, 2010 at St. John Hospital in Detroit. He was born in Claridge, Pennsylvania on February 9, 1911, the son of the late John J. and the late Mary (nee: Schuster) Chenchick. Just shy of his 100th birthday, John lived a long & happy life filled with immeasurable joy and memories,...some of the sweetest of those being shared with his bride of 60 years, Rita "June." On a fateful day in 1944 at the Moonlight Bar on Mack Avenue in Detroit, Cupid's arrow struck both their hearts and swept them off their feet. Just a few months later, the love that blossomed would find them exchanging vows to love, honor and cherish each other, and the rest was history in the making. He was 33 and she was 19,...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and they said it would never last. Oh, but it did,...and John's incredible patience was well worth the wait. Together, they built a home, raised a family, and shared a love that was almost storybook in nature. Of all the joys they shared, perhaps the most special were the countless hours they spent "cuttin' the rug" together. Ballroom dancing was one of their greatest pleasures, and being in each others' embrace around the dance floor was where they felt the closest. Another of their shared joy came in the mid 70's when they decided to leave the wintry tundra of Michigan and relocate to Newport Richey, Florida. John often referred to his Florida home as "Paradise," and the two went on to enjoy the next 27 years in their little slice of Heaven down south until their return to Michigan a few years ago. By trade, John was a tool & die maker and worked for a number of firms affiliated with the automotive industry. In his younger years, during the war, he was employed with Packard Motors. Transitioning forward, his venues would include; U.S. Rubber, Bower Roller Bearing, and Gemmers Steering Gear. After many years of hard work and dedicated service, John retired in 1973 at the age of 62. Another of John's interests was centered around the times he spent at the C.C. Camp in East Tawas, Michigan. His initial exposure to the camp came during his younger years when first arriving to Michigan and looking for work. It was rewarding work in the lumber industry which found him building and maintaining some wonderful and lasting relationships that carried on through the years. Each visit back provided him immense pleasure and he always enjoyed sharing the stories of his times at the camp. When John wasn't working, he enjoyed a number of interesting and varied pasttimes. Along with his love of dancing TO the music, he was quite the music collector as well. With his appreciation for the old standards, some of his favorites included the Big Band sound and Marty Robbins. And over time, his bride even got him to appreciate the finer points of country music, too. In Florida, he was quite fond of Shuffleboard, and managed to shuffle his way to numerous victories. And no matter where he was, he loved a good game of Pinnocle. He played it all through his life and could never get enough of his favorite card game. He was also quite the gardener, taking much pride in his yards and the flowers he nurtured with tender loving care. John's make-up included a bit of sporting blood, as well. He loved the "boys of summer" and all the fun that accompanied the good, ol' sport of baseball. Not merely a Tigers fan, but a baseball fan overall. But his sporting prowess was never more enjoyed than when it was time to hit the racetrack to "play the ponies!" Whether it was the Hazel Park racetrack in Michigan or the Tampa Downs racetrack in Florida, watching the horses and trying his luck with a little gambling was his ultimate enjoyment and escape. Being with the horses was his home away from home. Of all the traits that defined this man and made him special, the term "Honest John" states it the best. He was as honest as the day was long, and it was easily his strongsuit. With integrity as deep and wide as an ocean, John's word meant something and carried a "strength of character" that was unmatched. Drawing from his love of music, the world has lost a "Golden Oldie,"...but the memories of the personal music he made, in the life he led and the lives he touched, will live on in the hearts & souls he leaves behind. Beloved husband of the late Rita "June." Dear father of Rick (Diane), Linda Golebiewski, and Danny. Loving grandfather of Kim, Karen, Kris, Deena, Rick, Shaylene, Gina, Steph, and great-grandfather of Brianna, Samantha, Matt, Richard, Megan, Jeffrey, Riley, and Haley. Preceded in death by siblings; Carl "Chuck" and Rose Alcock. Visitation for John will take place on Monday, November 29th from 3:00pm to 9:00pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. His Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday at the funeral home. Officiating will be Father Roman Pasieczny. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. Please share memories of John at his guest book.