Chester "Chet" James Adessa Jr.'s Obituary
Chester "Chet" James Adessa Jr.
Chet, 81, of Makakilo, passed away on March 18, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 10, 1944, in Cortland, New York, to Chester and Jacqueline Adessa. Chet graduated from Moravia High School in 1962 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1987 from Chaminade University in Honolulu.
Chet proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years retiring in 1982 as a Chief Petty Officer. He continued his commitment to helping others as a Family Advocacy Education Specialist at both Army Community Services and Navy Social Services. As a Certified Family Life Educator, he established Hawaii’s Boot Camp for New Dads, to guide and support new military fathers. Chet helped countless military families reconnect after long separations through the Navy’s Return and Reunion Program. He utilized his skills by volunteering with Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, American Cancer Society, and the State Commission on Fatherhood. Chet retired from civil service in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, mentorship, and stronger families.
Chet is finally reunited with his wife of 41 years, Margaret Frances Adessa, who preceded him in death in 2022. He is also with his beloved dog Lucy, his constant companion up until a month before he passed. Chet is remembered for his kind heart, even keel, and great sense of humor. He loved growing roses, Reyn Spooner aloha shirts, was devoted to the original Star Trek series, and a Green Bay Packers fan.
Chet is survived by his children: Heather (Andrew) Wright, Gregory, and Jennifer (Joe) Goslin; his grandchildren: Chad, Kendall, Isabella, Kanani, and Gabriel; his siblings: Danielle Brigandi, Thomas, Victoria Adessa, Renee Powers, Brian, and Mary Cornman; and his in-laws: Frank Freitas, Katherine Freitas, and Sydney Dickerson.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Kaneohe. Visitation at 10:30am and services at 11:30am, live streaming available. Chet and Margaret will be interred on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 1:00pm at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. Aloha, Reyn Spooner, or Green Bay Packers attire. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to:
American Cancer Society
https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=incentivehubdefaultmedia
Margaret F. Adessa Endowed Scholarship for Respiratory Education.
https://give.uhfoundation.org/campaigns/63435/donations/new?utm_medium=redirect&designation_id=13044402&utm_campaign=appeal
Arrangements provided by Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Kaneohe.
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