Obituary of Anthony Chesal

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Anthony (Tony) Chesal, Carter Crescent, Antigonish, on November 21, 2014, at the age of 92...a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Born in Germany, of Czech parents, on May 13, 1922, he immigrated to Canada as a young child and grew up in River Hebert, NS. At the age of 14 he ventured to Czechoslovakia on his own to learn the meat cutting/butchering trade. The eruption of World War II prevented his planned return to Canada but also provided the opportunity for him to fall in love with Vlasta, his beautiful bride of 70 years. In 1947, with a 2 year old daughter and 6 week old son, Tony moved his family back to Canada and settled in Scotchtown, Cape Breton. Here they resided for 41 years & raised their family of 6 children. Tony worked and managed several grocery stores in Glace Bay, Sydney and New Waterford until he opened his own store, The Scotchtown Lucky Dollar, on Emerald Street. Upon retirement Tony and Vlasta moved to Antigonish where they remained the hub of their ever expanding family. Tony was self educated in carpentry, electrical, plumbing and wood working and created many beloved and original toys for his grandchildren. Family was always his top priority and visits usually included several rounds of the marble board game which he had designed himself. Cherished by many he will always be remembered for his kind generous heart and unconditional love, Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Vlasta, and daughters, Marie (Barry) Seabright, NS, Jane (Bedford) c. David, Steven & Nathan Hall, sons, Joe (Antigonish), Tony (Ellen) Fall River NS) c. Leeann St. Clair, Pam, Eddie and Patricia Chesal, Carl (Janet), Stittsville, ON c. Ian Chesal and Sharon Marie Toye, and Stan (Celeste) Masstown, c. Jason and Trevor Chesal, Tracy Wells. Besides his grandchildren he very much loved his 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great-grandchildren. Also surviving is Tony’s one sister, Jean Hicks (Sydney), and two nieces and three nephews. At Tony’s request, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, Guysborough Memorial Hospital and the VON, Antigonish, for Tony’s excellent and compassionate care during his illness. Memorial donations may be made to the Antigonish VON. The funeral for the late, Tony Chesal, will take place at St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Antigonish, on Tuesday, November 25, at 11am. with Mass of Christian Burial, Rev. Andrew Boyd presiding. Burial to follow in St. Ninian’s Cemetery. The funeral is under the direction of MacIsaac Funeral Home, Pleasant Street, Antigonish. We will forever remember your smiling blue eyes, hold your laughter in our memory and your hug in our hearts.